FIRE UPDATE: Over 200 shacks burnt down during the fire which has left residents homeless and in need of help
MSAWAWA - City of Joburg Emergency Services has confirmed that over 200 shacks were burnt in the fire which broke out in Msawawa on 11 November.
According to City of Joburg Emergency Services spokesperson Nana Radebe, a tent has been erected at the informal settlement for the residents who have lost their homes. The community can drop off canned food, blankets and old clothes at Sandton Fire Station.
There are no injuries reported at this stage.
Read Emergency services and police help salvage residents’ belongings in Msawawa
Chairperson of the Douglasdale Community Policing Forum (CPF) Jean Berdou said, “Some of the residents saw the opportunity to loot other residents’ properties which led to mob justice as several volunteers were threatened.” Following this, Berdou said the police and CPF called on volunteers not to visit the settlement but rather to offer their assistance or drop off necessities at Judah Africa Revival Ministry in order to help those had lost their homes. He said a public order was also issued to call for calm in the area on 11 November.
Berdou concluded that the residents had to use buckets to put the fire out as the area is not of easy mobile access and was difficult for the police and emergency services to assist the residents on time.
The CPF appeals for canned food, maize meal, baby formula, nappies, blankets, old clothes and soap for the residents who have lost their homes. These items can be dropped off with volunteers at Judah Africa Revival Ministry.
Communications director of Cedar Creek Estate Dianne Boy said the estate has been engaging with the municipality and lawyers to move the residents to a decent place as the living conditions at the informal settlement are unhealthy for people to be living in.
Also read 29 Shacks burnt to the ground in Msawawa
She also said the settlement does not have easy access hence the fire department could not get to the residents on time to help put out the fire yesterday.
“We are based on the boarder of the Jukskei River close to the informal settlement, it was not easy for Cedar Creek Estate residents to watch over and see people in need of help and could not be assisted on time as they risked their lives to save their belongings,” Boy said.
Details: Sandton Fire Station 011 286 6008/9; Judah Africa Revival Ministry 076 643 2663.
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