Madala Hostel residents happy as roof repairs get underway after devastating fire
When Felinjani Ximba, a resident of Madala Hostel, saw the damage caused by the fire that gutted the hostel in September, he thought it was all over. Two months later, as repairs get underway, his hope to return home is restored.
When a fire tore through Madala Hostel in September, consuming units on the upper floor of the building, residents watched in despair as their homes and belongings were reduced to ashes.
Among them was 62‑year‑old Felinjani Ximba, whose unit was gutted down and left with nothing but charred walls.
For Ximba, and many others, their sense of home had been stripped away in a matter of hours.
Read more: Madala hostel residents grow tired of waiting for repairs and gas restoration after fire
The days that followed were equally painful, as displaced residents had to be offered temporary accommodation, far from the familiar hostel where they had spent most of their lives. The uncertainty of whether they would ever return deepened their despair.
Now, two months later, their hope has been restored. The City of Johannesburg has commenced roof repairs, signalling a new chapter for the hostel’s residents.
During the week, construction teams were seen on site, and the sight of scaffolding and workers has brought joy to residents who feared they might never return to their homes.
Also read: City commits R9m to upgrade sewer infrastructure at Helen Joseph Hostel
“I can’t even explain how happy I am. It feels as if I am dreaming,” Ximba said. “Especially since it has been a few months since the fire engulfed the area.”
He praised the co-operation between hostel leaders and city officials, noting the speed with which repairs have begun. More than anything, he expressed relief that he will soon be able to return to the place he calls home.
“When I saw the damage, I thought it was all over. To see this happening now is a dream come true.”
Hostel leader Praisegod Ngubane confirmed that affected residents could be back in their units before the end of the month. “What makes me happy is that we had promised to ensure their houses would be rebuilt. Our wish was for them not to live in such conditions, and now that promise has become reality.”
The repairs follow a visit by city officials as part of a high-impact service delivery operation, where they engaged directly with residents.
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