SASOLBURG – Following the tragic fire at Boiketlong flats in Zamdela, dozens of illegal dwellers have decided to vacate the affected block.
At least two people were confirmed dead and three others hospitalised after a fire broke out on August 2 following a domestic dispute.
Ster visited units at Block D after heavy winds blew away some of the burnt roofing and collapsed parts of the roof.
Due to the safety of those who remained in the block, an agreement was reached to evacuate. Emergency tape and boards indicating ‘No Entry’ were the order of the day.
Some residents were still removing their belongings when Ster was at the scene, moving to other unaffected blocks.
Speaking to Sedibeng Ster, Teboho Mokoena said: “We had no option but to move from the building.
Over the weekend, bricks fell from the rooftop after correlated steel got blown away by heavy winds. For the safety of our people, we took a decision to move from Block D.”
While these illegal dwellers remain defiant from leaving the entire property, many claim they have nowhere to go.
In recent weeks, the MEC for Cooperative Governance, Traditional Affairs and Human Settlements, Saki Mokoena, visited the area to get first-hand information on what transpired.
The Metsimaholo Local Municipality mayor, Jack Malindi and some government officials viewed the damage and donated some essentials.
