7518 shacks have burnt down in fires in Gauteng in the last three years, mostly in Emfuleni (Vaal area), Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni.
These figures were revealed by Gauteng Premier, David Makhura in a written reply to the Democratic Alliance (DA) Gauteng Health Shadow MEC Jack Bloom’s questions in the Gauteng Legislature.
The breakdown for shack fires between 2012 and 2014 is as follows:
Emfuleni – 2316
Johannesburg – 2246
Ekurhuleni – 1538
Tshwane – 982
West Rand District – 319
Midvaal – 64
Lesedi – 53
Bloom said, “Shack fires cause a shocking amount of devastation in Gauteng, affecting about 8000 people every year who lose all their possessions.”
According to Makhura , short-term relief such as blankets and food are provided, as well as help in replacing identity documents.
The Fireball firefighting device is to be rolled out to all municipalities to fight shack fires, and the Gauteng Provincial Disaster Management Centre (GPDMC) intends to implement the following initiatives:
- Fire hydrants in the formalised informal settlements.
- Creation of space between informal dwellings, including firebreaks.
- Smoke detectors given to each informal dwelling.”
“I welcome these measures, but I am disappointed that the GPDMC has opted to provide tents rather than housing materials to rebuild shacks, as is done in Cape Town.
“Tents are temporary, whereas the prime need is for assistance to rebuild shacks,” said Bloom.
Bloom said the Gauteng Department of Co-operative Government has allocated only R500 000 in this financial year to help communities hit by shack fires, which is really measly.
“I appeal to Premier Makhura to give a higher priority to helping people rebuild their lives after terrible shack fires.”
