WATCH: Booysens informal settlement destroyed by raging fires
Talks among City of Johannesburg, PRASA and Transnet will pave the way of the Booysens informal settlement residents’ fate.
The City of Johannesburg (CoJ) plans to initiate talks with PRASA and Transnet after the devastating fire that gutted hundreds of shacks at the Booysens informal settlement on January 27.
Although there were no fatalities, this is the fourth fire in recent years. On May 27, 2019, over 60 shacks were destroyed; on January 22, 2021, over 1 000 families were affected and on October 21, 2023, the fire claimed two lives and destroyed 37 shacks.
MMC for Human Settlements, Mlungisi Mabaso, and Ward 124 Clr Mnyameni Mongameli assessed the situation where the fire displaced approximately 400 families.
Efforts were underway to collect and verify the data of affected individuals to determine their identities and circumstances.
The CoJ announced plans for an urgent meeting with PRASA and Transnet, as the land where the incident occurred is reportedly owned by these entities.
Political heads roped in
Mabaso said the city would assess the damage and initiate the processes to help the community.
“I already contacted the deputy minister of transport Mkhuleko Hlengwa because this land is owned by PRASA and Transnet, not the city. We want to initiate a discussion about this matter. After the 2021 fire, we started discussions with these entities which did not materialise, hence taking the matter to the deputy minister and the minister, Barbara Creecy.
“We want to find out how they can help us to handle these communities’ problems because in reality there is not much we can do. This is a railway servitude; there are railway pylons. At the time, the people invaded this place, there were PRASA and Transnet infrastructures.
@southern.courier MMC for Human Settlements, Mlungisi Mabaso, and Ward 124 Clr Mnyameni Mongameli assessed the situation where the fire displaced approximately 400 families.
“We are taking this to the political leadership of the transport department to find a permanent solution.
“Another issue is the handful of illegal immigrants staying here. We are doing profiling and collecting data, however, there is no participation because the majority are undocumented and would not access government’s help,” explained Mabaso.
Mnyameni said when he heard about the fire he was not far from the scene.
“I asked for help at the fire station in Turffontein, corner of Turf Club and Hay streets. They came quickly even though the fire engine had to come from somewhere else because Turffontein Fire Station had a fire engine that only responded to chemical matters.
“On my arrival at Booysens informal settlement, the fire already destroyed a few shacks. The fire was intense and difficult to control when the fire engine arrived. Hundreds of shacks burnt down and people lost their belongings.
“Both South Africans and foreign nationals were affected. There were no fatalities.
“Disaster Management, CRUM, Red Cross, Touch of Care, Meals on Wheels and Gift of the Givers assisted the community. The Solomon Stix Morewa Hospital came on board to assist by opening their doors for the fire victims. They also gave them food,” he said.
EMS spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi confirmed the safe evacuation of the residents.
@southern.courier Media liaison officer for EMS Xolile Khumalo noted the firefighters fought the blaze tirelessly and although they extinguished the fire, there were still carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide in the air, which is dangerous to inhale.
Media liaison officer for EMS Xolile Khumalo noted the firefighters fought the blaze tirelessly and although they extinguished the fire, there were still carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide in the air, which is dangerous to inhale.
This is a developing story. More information from the city is still expected, and comments from PRASA and Transnet.
