Masinenge residents rebuild after fire
It was not only children's uniforms that were burnt and destroyed, but also birth certificates, identity documents (IDs) and more.
After a fire engulfed over 45 shacks in Masinenge Informal Settlement on Monday, residents are currently trying to rebuild their homes.
About 103 people were affected by the fire, said Ward 3 councillor, Paul Brauteseth.
Brauteseth told Fever that at the moment they are unsure as to what caused the fire. He said it was not only children’s uniforms that were burnt and destroyed but also birth certificates, identity documents (IDs) and more.
“Fortunately, there were no injuries or fatalities,” said Brauteseth, adding disaster management teams from Ugu and Ray Nkonyeni Municipality (RNM) were very helpful. He said on Tuesday, disaster teams from Ugu and RNM were handing out mattresses and plastic sheeting to affected residents.
“We have put out a request for help to anyone who would like to help with donations towards clothing, groceries, cutlery, and basic essentials to get in touch with us. A problem we are experiencing is that there are people who are willing to donate to us but they do not have the money or transport to deliver the donations to Masinenge,” he said.
Brauteseth added residents have also received a lot of timber donations to help rebuild shacks, saying that they are still looking for donations of corrugated iron. The councillor said they will also be reaching out to the Department of Home Affairs to help with birth certificates and IDs.
He added that groups affiliated with the Democratic Alliance came in with groceries and are also collecting clothing donations from people around the area who cannot go to Masinenge.
“We are presently dealing with various institutions who are waiting to hear what the final figures and needs are. I am busy trying to get that information so that more relief can be given. We pray this does not happen again because the poor people in Masinenge are stretched to the limit. It is also terrible because at this time of the year, it is cold and people make a little fire in their shacks for warmth and they fall asleep; which is dangerous. It would be wonderful if the powers that be brought electricity into Masinenge so that residents can put a heater on during cold nights,” he said.
Meanwhile, non-profit organisations such as Ignite Revolution have also taken to social media to ask for donations for Masinenge residents.
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