VIDEO: Residents rebuild after fire devastates Malacca Road Informal Settlement
The Seed Fund is collecting donations of building materials, clothes and other items to assist residents who have lost everything in the blaze.
RESIDENTS of the Malacca Road Informal Settlement are trying to rebuild their homes after a fire burnt down 150 shacks and killed one person in the early hours of Sunday morning. The fire comes just two days after the Lacey Road Informal Settlement was ablaze, leaving many without shelter.
Arianne Hayes-Hill, founder of The Seed Fund, said she received a call just after 2am and alerted the eThekwini Fire and Emergency Services.
“We came down straight away and the fires were raging, they were really raging. It was probably about 6am when the fires were brought under control,” she said.
Chairperson of the Malacca Road Informal Settlement Committee, Fikile Mtwa said approximately 150 homes were destroyed.
“People have lost the houses they have built. They don’t have clothes , they don’t have blankets,” he said.
Also read: Murder spikes in level 3 says police minister
A resident of the settlement, Sibonelo Mketwa, said the ordeal had left many traumatized.
“We need some helping hands and some counselling if possible. This has been traumatic, especially for the children,” he said.
Also read: Extension for firearm amnesty approved
Stanley Barnabas, a committee member and resident in the settlement recalled the ordeal.
“I jumped up at about 2.10am because people were shouting that the shacks were burning. I ran out the house. Then I realised I forgot my ID, so I ran back. I was a bit confused because I had been fast asleep. The thing we need the most right now is building materials,” he said.
The Seed Fund volunteers handed out tea and sandwiches to the community on Sunday morning. The fund is collecting donations to assist further. The immediate need is for building material such as sheeting, nails, timber and wooden planks. For more information, contact Jess on 0824242436. The fund is also collecting warm clothes for all ages, closed shoes, blankets, towels, pillows and household items such as: cutlery, crockery, pots, pans, buckets, beds and tables. The drop off points are: 35 Norrie Avenue Durban North (anytime) or 29 Harrison Drive, Monday – Friday 9am to 12pm or 2pm-4pm.
You can also sign up for news alerts on Telegram. Send us a Telegram message (not an SMS) with your name and surname (ONLY) to 060 532 5532. 
Here’s where you can download Telegram on Android or Apple.
