WATCH: Tragedy strikes two informal settlements
Shacks at EmaXhoseni and Booysens informal settlements were destroyed by a raging fire on the same night of August 1.
Ward 124 councillor Mongameli Mnaymeni said a number of people were left homeless in EmaXhoseni when shacks burnt down at around 10pm and two injuries were reported.
“A paraffin stove left unattended is believed to be the cause of the fire. One such family lost everything, including identity documents. They don’t have a place to stay or even to sleep. I phoned Disaster Management which came in to help.
“I am appealing to our community to help these people. They need a place to sleep, blankets, food and they also need assistance in acquiring new documents. “We are also in need of corrugated iron (amazenke) so they can rebuild their shacks,” explained Mnyameni.
On the same day at about 11pm, Booysens informal settlement was also on fire and no injuries were reported. City of Johannesburg’s Disaster Management assisted the affected people.
“Government is committed to eradicate the impossible by making sure those South Africans in informal settlements get decent and affordable houses. And it will electrify some of the informal settlements to eliminate fire that is caused by candles and paraffin stoves.
“There is a budget that is set aside to address the issues of housing. However, all that will be done following a process that is fair to everyone,” said Mnyameni.
If you want to help in any way, contact Mnaymeni on 078 264 2930.
