THE Glen An-Hills Neighbourhood Watch, CPF, and PR Councillor for Ward 110, Rowena Bosman, have raised serious concerns about recurring fires on Malacca Road near the informal settlement.

Last week the fire department was called out to two blazes on two consecutive evenings, both of which were contained without any damage to nearby properties or homes.

Bosman said she feared the fires spreading and causing more widespread damage.

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“At this stage, the cause of the fires remains unclear. I have been in contact with the relevant authorities and continue to engage with the relevant departments and authorities, particularly due to the toxic smoke emanating from the fires. I must commend Marshall for their attendance at the scene, as well as the fire department for their prompt and professional response. However, my concern remains that the fires pose a very real risk of spreading – either to the neighbouring informal settlement or across the road to the church on Malacca Road.

“That said, this issue has persisted for far too long. The City must be held accountable for its failure to enforce proper land use controls and to address the illegal dumping, which directly contributes to these recurring fires. It is no longer sufficient to simply raise concerns. We need action,” she said.

Chairperson of the watch, Neil Olivier, said he too could not confirm how or who started the fires but echoed Bosman’s comments.

“In the past we’ve had issues with illegal dumping in the area and residents setting the dumped items on fire to create space for more items to be dumped. We are monitoring the situation, however we do fear the fires spreading and impacting people’s homes or causing fatalities,” he said.

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