New shacks bring partial relief to fire-hit Eldorado Park family

The Pienaar family from Turf Avenue, Ext 8, Eldorado Park, were relieved to receive two new shacks from the Patriotic Alliance after a fire destroyed their three shacks on May 13.

Tenant Staford Peterson lived in one of the burnt shacks with his wife and daughter. After the fire, they all sought shelter with nearby relatives. Initially, Peterson attempted to repair the shack and continued sleeping there despite its poor condition.

The fire is suspected to have been caused by a power surge when electricity was restored shortly after stage two load-shedding.

ALSO READ: Police K9 recovers stolen firearm in Naledi

Christopher Pienaar, his partner Genevieve Julus, their four children – two girls aged five and 10 and two boys aged two – and his cousin finally had two shelters rebuilt.

Pienaar expressed gratitude to Ward 17 Clr Dwain Ponsonby but noted they still need more support.

“The councillor was only able to help rebuild two shacks. The third was not badly damaged but still needs a door and windows,” he said.

He added that one shack lacks windows, posing a safety risk.

“We cannot replace some of our lost belongings because we are unemployed.

“We also lost equipment in the fire, so we cannot work. Some people promised to assist after the Soweto Urban published an article, but they went silent,” he noted.

ALSO READ: Man arrested in Eldorado Park with unlicensed firearm

The family still needs to replace vital documents, such as IDs and birth certificates, clothing, and school uniforms and shoes for their oldest daughter.

As winter approaches, Ponsonby warned residents against using homemade heaters like spiral plates and open fires with wood or coal inside shacks.

These are major causes of shack fires and their rapid spread, especially in yards with multiple shacks.

“There are no fire breaks between the shacks,” he said. “When a fire erupts, it spreads quickly because the wooden structures fuel the flames. Residents should use safer alternatives like board heaters instead of hazardous ones.”

Ponsonby also urged caution following a recent power surge incident, emphasising the risks of having too many backrooms connected to a single house without proper circuit breakers.

“When electricity returns, it often comes at a higher voltage. Without protection like circuit breakers or proper conduits, it can cause fires,” he explained.

ALSO READ: Fire leaves Eldorado Park families homeless after power surge

He also highlighted serious electricity compliance issues. “People need to become compliant. You cannot have 10 shacks connected to one house with a 2.5mm wire.

“That wire cannot carry the load; it is overloaded because a small-capacity wire supplies electricity to all these structures.”

Employees working with the Johannesburg Speaker have committed to providing school shoes to the family by the end of June.

To donate or offer support to the affected families, contact Kelly on 082 399 1408.