Community unites to support fire victims
FOURWAYS - After a devastating day for Kya Sands informal settlement residents, many Fourways communities have come together to provide some relief for the victims as well as some of the animals in the settlement.
Kya Sands informal settlement was set ablaze on 9 October, causing much disarray and devastation for both the residents, pets in the township and the surrounding communities. Lonehill Fire Station confirmed the fire started because of an unattended gas stove, setting almost half of the settlement alight. The City of Joburg’s Emergency Services and members of the community rushed to the scene in an attempt to salvage some hope in the devastation. Many Fourways community members united to help the Kya Sands residents.
Chairperson of the Paulshof Residents and Rate Payers Association, Shathi Govender said he was devastated by the news and immediately sprang into action encouraging residents to contribute in any means possible. “We sent out a circular [e-mail], held meetings and posted notices on social media to our residents and we will be donating 14 000 meals from Stop Hunger Now for the victims,” he added.
The Lonehill Residents Association has also encouraged their residents to donate goods to help those affected from the fire. Clothes, canned food, water and any other goods are needed. The association has been encouraging their residents on social media to either drop off goods at their offices in Lonehill or go to the scene to give victims relief goods.
Many pets were affected by the fire and Emer-G-Med emergency services transported a distressed dog which they found on scene to the Randburg SPCA and have stated they will be following up on its progress.
The emergency services also said they wanted to encourage the public to raise funds for other pets that were taken to the SPCA. The Douglasdale Community Policing Forum and RSS Security have told community members to drop off supplies for victims at the North Rand Methodist Church. Toiletries, blankets and baby formula are needed the most.
Details: Lonehill Residents Association offices. 81 Studio Office Park, 5 Concourse Crescent, Lonehill, North Rand Methodist Church 174 Blandford Road Randburg North Riding, Randburg SPCA 011 462-1610/50.
See our previous story on this terrible incident:
Smoke from burning shacks seen from Fourways
