MOKOPANE – IN the first week of taking over the reigns as mayor, Parks Sebatjane stepped in and offered to help a family of six after their house burned down last Thursday in Impala park.
The Chueu family was only left with the clothes they were wearing when the fire broke out.
Sebatjane, along with members of the executive committee of council and officials from the Mogalakwena Municipality visited the family last Friday and Saturday, and by the directive of the office of the mayor and traffic and emergency services, the family was provided with temporary shelter.
On Monday, they were also given food parcels, as well as school uniforms.
The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, but a thorough investigation is on-going, read a statement by Malesela Selokela, divisional head ofcommunications.
Samuel Chueu said: “my wife and I work in Marble Hall and we received a call from our children at about 21:00 that the house was on fire.
“I am told that the municipal firefighters arrived within 10 minutes, but there was nothing much they could save as the flames had already spread through the entire house. One vehicle was in the garage and the neighbours managed to get it out on time”.
Chueu thanked all their neighbours and the municipality for the help they provided.
“Our biggest concern is our children who have been through a very bad experience. One of the children was fast asleep, while the others were studying, but thanks to God they are all unhurt,” Chueu said.
Sebatjane said: “preliminary investigations suggest that an electrical fault could have been the cause of the fire, but that cannot be confirmed as investigations are still underway.
“We have provided temporary shelter and food parcels to the family while they seek long time solutions.
“Everyone should understand that our intervention is only temporarily which will obviously not replace their normal housing conditions.
“Despite the family having lost all their belongings, which is tragic, we are grateful that none of the family members were harmed during the fire and we have arranged a psychologist to meet them to assist with counselling. My office is committed to assist the family further, should such a need arise”.
In a show of concern following the incident, Sebatjane urged the community to assist with any form of donation especially clothing, blankets, food and another set of school uniform.
If anyone would like to contribute or offer any help to the Chueu family, they can contact Malesela Selolela at (015) 491 9760 or at 083 359 6971.
