RESIDENTS of Malacca Road Informal Settlement have started to rebuild their homes after a devastating fire ripped through the upper half of the settlement a little more than a week ago.

More than 80 residents were left homeless and one person, known to the community as Lucky Ntuli, died in the blaze which destroyed close to 60 homes.

It is believed the fire broke out in the home of the deceased just before midnight.

While the Municipality’s Disaster Management Directorate visited the settlement following the blaze, residents explained that building materials had not been forthcoming.

Since then many residents have sought temporary shelter with relatives, friends and neighbours.

When Northglen News visited the settlement, residents were using discarded wood and tree stumps to help with rebuilding efforts.

On Wednesday (July 15), a local company donated more than 200 metal roof sheets thanks to Greenwood Park CPF Subforum 5 and the PR councillor.

Freedom Mbili, a resident who lost everything in the fire, explained how his wife, their children and their mother, who is on crutches, were left with just their clothes on their backs.

“We heard people shouting ‘there’s fire, get out, there’s fire!’ We got up dazed and when I looked out from my home the fire was spreading and getting bigger. I know some of the residents attempted to help the man who was killed but his home was locked from the inside and there were items on his roof that were combustible. Unfortunately as is the case for those affected, none of us could get anything out. I’m using whatever I can get my hands on to rebuild a structure but for now we are staying with our neighbours and friends,” he said.

The cause of the fire is yet to be determined and is under investigation by the relevant authorities.

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