Douglasdale SAPS confirmed that the fire which gutted down shacks in Msawawa informal settlement in Kya Sand on 11 November left 2 000 people homeless.
Douglasdale Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Bulan Muthan said on final count it was found that 825 shacks burned down.
He further indicated that residents were in severe need of assistance from the public.
“All donations like food and clothing should be sent to number 87 Kya Sand Road, in Kya Sand Industrial Food Bank,” he concluded.
A resident who had started erecting his own shack, Edzi Maphogoro, said they were sleeping in an open space and some were sleeping in the supplied tents.
“We were promised materials and nothing had been delivered here, hence some of us have started building on our own,” he said.
Gift of the Givers teams have been on site since the incident occurred and blankets and food were handed out to residents.
“We have total cooperation from the MEC of Human Settlement in Gauteng and the City Disaster Management. Gift of the Givers has set up a facility from where all assistance will be facilitated in a controlled and organised manner,” said the organisation’s founder Imtiaz Sooliman in a statement.
Residents were provided with two meals a day and a special tent was prepared for students to study quietly in this exam period while they don’t have any homes.
“A generator, lighting, meals and stationery will be provided. Teachers are welcome to volunteer their services at this tent,” Sooliman further explained.
They also encouraged residents to donate items such as blankets, clothes, baby clothes, towels, linen, various food items, bottled water, baby milk powder, sanitary pads, disposable nappies, bin bags and hygiene items as they would add value to the victims.
He further indicated that building materials, including corrugated sheeting, timber and plastic sheeting of whatever quantity would be highly appreciated as residents wanted to rebuild their homes immediately.
Details: Gift of the Givers, 083 236 4029; Douglasdale Police 011 699 1300.
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