EFFORTS to quell deadly fires at eThekwini’s over 550 densely populated informal settlements have been boosted by Astron Energy joining hands with the municipality to install life-saving early warning systems, fire detectors, where they are needed the most.

The rollout of the programme, which was launched at the end of July, kicked off at the Dakota informal settlement, Isipingo, where 340 fire detectors were installed. The informal settlement is prone to fires, with the latest being at the start of July. Around 200 informal structures were destroyed, resulting in 300 people, including children, being displaced.

The City said that the installation of fire detectors forms part of the Municipality’s Level 2 Disaster Management Plan, which prioritises proactive risk reduction, community safety, and the protection of lives and livelihoods. eThekwini Municipality spokesperson Gugu Sisilana said the plan is to install smoke detectors at all informal settlements throughout the City.

“Astron Energy will advise on the next installation – the project is their initiative, but for now the focus is with informal settlements that are prone to fires,” said Sisilana.

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According to the city, there are over 550 informal settlements with approximately 314 000 households in eThekwini. Deputy Mayor Zandile Myeni said this is a milestone in the City’s vision of achieving zero fire-related fatalities in vulnerable communities and a declaration that the lives of all people matter. “Through this public-private partnership, we are not only responding to past tragedies but actively preventing future ones,” she said.

Myeni added that this is a flagship example of the City’s commitment to disaster risk mitigation, aligning with the Disaster Risk Reduction Framework. The devices will alert residents at the earliest sign of fire, enabling swift evacuation and emergency response, a critical intervention in densely populated settlements where fires spread rapidly.

The initiative was welcomed by Kennedy Road shackdweller, Zinhle Mnguni. The informal settlement is one of the biggest and heavily populated, also prone to fires. Mnguni, a mother of two, said fires, especially during winter, are a major concern for those living in informal settlements. She said, “The fire detectors haven’t been installed at our informal settlement yet but we are hopeful that this will be done before next winter.”

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Mnguni added, “There have been too many lives lost because of fires at this informal settlement. That is one of my biggest fears, especially with two young kids.”

For Fikile Mbotho, whose newly rebuilt home was fitted with one of the detectors, the initiative brings more than just safety, it brings peace of mind. “The device will help alert us quickly if a fire starts. We feel safer, and we are truly grateful,” she said.

Sisilana said there are plans to expand the initiative to all informal settlements across eThekwini, ensuring that every resident has access to life-saving early warning systems.

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