A series of unfortunate events
FOURWAYS – Family suffer an extra trauma with bursting water main after a fire burnt down their home.
On 14 December, Fourways residents Steve and Edith Ackerman suffered a great trauma when their home burnt down when a lightning strike directly hit it, setting their thatch room on fire, and in turn, spreading through to the entire house.
According to Edith, the fire lasted for approximately an hour before fire fighters arrived at the scene. “By then the whole house was on fire,” she added.
The fire fighters, who initially got to the scene with no water and struggled to find a fire hydrant according to the couple, took four hours to put out the fire.
But earlier this month, a water main burst in front of their home and spread through their entire garden. By the time Joburg Water attended to the problem 15 hours later, the cottage they had been living in was damaged, with water seeping through the foundation of the cottage.
When approached for comment, a Joburg Water representative stated the issue would be internally discussed.
In the process of rebuilding their home and their lives, they have received moral support and kindness from their neighbours and friends.
