Phalaborwa fire devastation still plagues town
A year after a fire destroyed 14 homes and a guest lodge, many Phalaborwa residents remain without assistance despite government promises.
LIMPOPO – A year after a devastating fire reduced dozens of homes and a guest house to ashes, there has been little progress to rebuild the area.
This is despite promises made by the Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (CoGSTHA) to help the affected residents with rebuilding their properties from a disaster management housing scheme.
On Saturday, September 16 last year, a veld fire fuelled by high winds and extremely hot weather jumped the R71 road and fiercely burned through a neighbourhood leaving a total of 14 houses in ruins, and another 34 houses with structural damages.
On the day, residents reported low water pressure in their taps, making it difficult to extinguish the raging flames. It is unclear to estimate the total damage, but it is thought to be hundreds of millions of rands.
Those without insurance and those whose insurance did not pay, are today still left to fend for themselves without the promised help from the department or the Ba-Phalaborwa Municipality.
Even though some homeowners have been able to rebuild, Elegance Guest Lodge and other houses that were destroyed are still in a state of disrepair.
At the time CoGSTHA MEC Basikopo Makamu told the Herald that the fire qualified as a state of disaster and in turn they will help affected people.
However, according to Aubrey Sambo from Starling Street, he and his family are currently still renting and have not been able to rebuild their home.
He told the Herald that he has not heard anything from CoGSTHA or the local municipality on the promises made.
“The people who have been with us through thick and thin are from the Phalaborwa CPF. They donated furniture and clothing to us and last week they hosted a memorial ceremony for us where we shared a dinner. They wanted to know how we are doing and how they can help us,” he said.
Although the fire was a devastating experience, it also inspired a spirit of ubuntu and unity as residents of races pulled together.
A resident, Tania Goss, posted on the Phalaborwa CPF Facebook page to commemorate one year after the fire.
She sent a message of hope and encouragement to the affected parties.
Brian Bagnall commented on the post. “I will never forget that tragic day. What made it worse was that we had no water.”
Owen Dixon-Paver, said overgrown vegetation, one of the causes of the fire burning uncontrollably, remains a problem.
He said the dumping of flammable and other materials continues unabated.
“The hospital has had a pile of brushwood on the verge for ages and its grounds are a severe fire hazard! Another devastating fire is just a spark away!”.
The Herald reached out to Jonas Mahesu, spokesperson of the Ba-Phalaborwa Municipality for comment. He referred the Herald to the mayor who was unreachable at the time of print. CoGSTHA also did not respond to the Herald’s enquiries.
