Member of the Mayoral Committee for Housing in the City of Joburg, Mlungisi Mabaso, visited families whose shacks were ravaged by fire at Madala Hostel in Alexandra.
According to preliminary investigations, over 160 families lost their homes and belongings in the fire that broke out in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
It is alleged that the fire was sparked by a stove that was left unattended.
Accompanied by officials in his department, MMC Mabaso committed to assisting affected communities with building material such as corrugated iron as an immediate intervention to rebuild their shacks over the next few days.
A nearby hall and library has been identified to accommodate residents that were affected by the fire as an interim solution.
Some of the hostel rooms were also affected by the fire and a team will be roped in to assess the extent of the damage. Affected residents have been given time to gather what has been left of their belongings before the city begins to clear the rubble from Friday.
A verification and audit process to check who has been living in the area, has also resumed. This will ensure that deserving people receive the building material that will be offered for rebuilding.
Cllr Mabaso says such incidents are unfortunate and they occur in densely populated and congested informal settlements.
“Illegal connection of electricity is a major risk to informal settlements that is why the department has embarked on a process to upgrade informal settlements in the City. This includes ensuring that communities have electricity and access roads to allow fire engines and ambulances to easily gain access to the area should a fire break out and other emergencies,” said Mabaso.
“We plead with our communities in informal settlements to be extra cautious in handling candles and fires which might cause further destruction,” Mabaso added.
The Departments of Home Affairs and Social Development are expected to offer assistance this weekend in the form of identity documents and other essential services.
City commits to help Madala hostel residents affected by fire
