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(left to right) Mayor Dan Plato, Councilmember Felicity Purchase (who is also the 69th District Cllr), and Site Manager Mlungisi Noludwe inspect the progress of the site cleanup.
- Last Thursday’s fire in Masiphumelele has displaced 5,000 people.
- The city of Cape Town has requested 18 million rand in relief funds from the national government.
- The fire destroyed 1,300 homes.
The fire that broke out in Masiphumelele, Cape Town, which left more than 5,000 people displaced and requires R18 million in relief funds, was allegedly caused by an illegal occupation of land.
Cape Town Mayor Dan Plato visited the area on Monday to assess the progress of clearing debris from what were once 1,300 homes before the devastating fire last Thursday.
“Disaster management officials have announced that this fire was likely caused by an attempted land invasion. It is shameful that a humanitarian disaster, which caused the total loss of people’s homes and belongings, was caused by criminal elements. Due to this criminality, thousands will now spend their Christmases having to rebuild their structures ”, said Plato.
The city said it was still awaiting national government approval on its request for R18 million relief funds. This would be used for fire fighting equipment, re-establishing electrical connections and water infrastructure.
PHOTOS | City calls for help after fire destroyed 1,000 homes in Cape Town
Meanwhile, 80% of the site had been cleared of debris and the heads of households were registered by the City’s informal settlement administration department.
“Once completely cleared and the area formally treated and restored, the parcels will be demarcated and proof of residency certificates will be issued to registered affected residents, subject to pending national disaster declaration,” the City said.
“The City urges the leadership structures to encourage affected residents not to attempt to rebuild the site until the City gives the go-ahead and all necessary processes have been followed.”
Residents are still encouraged to drop their donations.
Plato also called on the public to come forward if they have any information.
“I strongly urge anyone with information to come forward to bring those responsible to the reserve, as we must send a strong message to discourage this criminal behavior from affecting the lives and well-being of our residents,” he said.
To donate, contact Living Hope, which is coordinating relief efforts, on 082 465 9067.
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