Girl (8) dies in fire at informal settlement in Durban

A fire that broke out at Siyathuthuka Informal Settlement, Durban, in the early hours of Tuesday morning has claimed the life of an eight-year-old girl and affected 116 people.

Ward 34 councillor, Bobby Maharajh, said eThekwini Municipality’s Disaster Management had been out to assess the damage and that building material had already been delivered to rebuild the 48 shacks that were destroyed.

The community, however, was still in need of assistance with regard to food, blankets, clothing and other essential items.

“The Durban North Fire Department responded promptly and doused the fire. The cause of the fire is unknown at this stage,” he said.

“This is a double blow for the community who were also affected by the recent Durban floods. They need assistance desperately,” added Maharajh.

A total of 87 shacks had been destroyed in floods, leaving more than 114 people homeless.

“I tried to find out more details about the little girl who had lost her life, but nobody could tell me anything,” he said.

Persons who would like to donate food, blankets and clothing, can contact Maharajh on 082 374 5128.