Fire victims left in uncertainty, councillor insists help is coming
Families affected by the fire on 16th Avenue near Joe Nhlanhla Street on May 25 remain stranded in dire conditions, battling freezing nights and rising security threats.
Nearly four weeks after the fire on 16th Avenue near Joe Nhlanhla Street, displaced families remain stranded in uninhabitable conditions. While councillor Adolphus Marema insists relief efforts are underway, victims say they have had no help.
Read more: Family speaks about the devastating fire that gutted their house
One affected family, whose dining room roof collapsed during the blaze, has closed the gap left by the charred iron sheets with a sail, but the temporary fix offers little protection from the freezing nights. “Even with the sail on, it is still the same because the wind lifts it,” said Amahle Nkosi, who has children.
“Today, insurance people came, they were taking photos, and they said they will come back tomorrow to see how much it will cost to fix. Only one came, and they said the others will come tomorrow. Since then, nobody has come to help. The last time people came to help was on the day of the incident,” Nkosi added. Compounding their struggle, thieves have begun stealing iron sheets from nearby homes, forcing Nkosi and her family to stay awake late at night to protect their remaining possessions.
Dorothy Makwela, whose grandfather and mother lost their home, shared similar frustrations, saying they have received no feedback from Marema. “Last week, we did not have anything. The community just gave us food now. [Marema] said he would come, but until now, nothing.”
Marema acknowledged that the victims were living in dire conditions and said he was working hard to secure relief. He added a donation of clothes would be delivered to the families by June 15. Additionally, donated iron sheets were being sourced from Soweto.
Asked when families should expect the sheets, Marema admitted, “I can only confirm if the guy who is helping us with the truck can confirm. He was supposed to have gone there today [June 12]. They gave us [the iron sheets], and they are already signed off. But I have indicated that those iron sheets are just a temporary solution.”
Marema said his office had been in contact with the Department of Human Settlements about alternative accommodation for the victims.
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