Help arrives for Shaka’s Head fire victims
The majority of the affected families are grappling with unemployment, and the added challenge of missing identity documents further complicates their attempts to seek employment.
A glimmer of hope has finally arrived for the victims of a devastating fire that hit Shaka’s Head a month ago.
Material to build emergency houses arrived at the Shaka’s Head Community Hall last Tuesday where the victims are housed – a first step to help the 15 families who lost their dwellings.
KwaDukuza Municipality spokesperson, Sifiso Zulu, said they began erecting houses last week on municipal-owned land and hoped to complete the project by next week.
KwaDukuza mayor Lindi Nhaca visited the families after the fire incident, promising to approach the national Department of Human Settlements for help.
Some residents in the meantime cleared a dumpsite to place 16 Wendy houses for families, but the municipality intervened.
Zulu said the residents occupied the land illegally and their actions could not be condoned.
“Officials explained the situation to them and pointed out that alternative land belonging to the municipality had been identified for this purpose.
“Anyone wishing to help disaster victims must work through the municipality because it does have a disaster management unit in place to address issues and make recommendations. Council has a land disposal policy which must be followed when a need arises for land to be made available,” said Zulu.
The majority of the affected families are grappling with unemployment, and the added challenge of missing identity documents further complicates their attempts to seek employment.
Their earlier living situation involved paying monthly rentals of R200 to R300 for cramped spaces on which they constructed makeshift shacks.
Round Table Ballito 221 last week delivered more than R2 000 worth of non-perishable foods.
The organisation is calling on the public to help with clothing for children aged nine months to two years, books and toys.
They also need perishable and non perishable food, shoes and clothing for 30 adults.
Contact the Round Table directly at 061 109 8482 or email ballito221@gmail.com. You can also drop off your donations at the Courier offices.
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