IFP calls for action in the wake of devastating shack fires
JOBURG - The Inkhatha Freedom Party (IFP) Gauteng caucus leader, Bonginkosi Dhlamini, recently called for the establishment of a disaster centre to efficiently react to shack fire outbreaks.
This followed numerous shack fires on the corner of 13th Avenue and Alfred Nzo Street in Alexandra and others in Cleveland and Kya Sand.
“Given the current weather patterns and drought in Gauteng, it is seriously worrying that, to date, Gauteng does not have a disaster centre to efficiently react to numerous shack fire outbreaks.
“The IFP would like to call on the premier and mayor of Gauteng to convene an urgent stakeholder meeting to look into developing a plan that would serve to mitigate against more shack fires, especially leading up to the festive season,” Dhlamini said.
Dhlamini equally called on the premier to urge the Department of Infrastructure Development to expedite the process of securing space for the Department of Human Settlements, the Department of Cooperative Governance and the Department of Traditional Affairs to construct a disaster centre.
“We also urge the City of Johannesburg to provide the much-needed assistance to those who have been displaced as a result of these countless and unforeseen shack fires. It is important that their welfare be prioritised during this difficult and depressing time,” Dhlamini added.
Details: Musa Ngobeni 011 498 5424; 079 412 9757.
