The City of Cape Town has numerous departments on the ground in Langa to support persons affected by a fire on Saturday, 16 April 2022.
Firefighters extinguished the fire in just under six hours, under difficult circumstances with community interference in the operation.
At least four fire hoses were cut, hampering firefighting efforts and unruly groups of community members posing a safety risk to Fire and Rescue Services whilst in the line of duty.
All persons were accounted for, with no fatalities or injuries reported – something we are incredibly grateful for.
While the cause of the fire remains unknown, efforts continue to assist the displaced persons.
Based on initial assessments this morning, an estimated 300 dwellings have been destroyed, affecting approximately 1 200 individuals.
The City’s Disaster Risk Management team, Informal Settlements Branch and SASSA are conducting the registration of all those impacted by the fire.
SASSA and Gift of the Givers will be supporting with humanitarian relief, which includes food and toiletries over the next few days.
Water and Sanitation is on site and will supply standpipes for water and will address the damaged toilets. Solid Waste Management will conduct the cleaning process tomorrow, once the registration of residents has been completed.
Some residents have lost all their belongings in the devastating fire.
The City is doing everything in its power to assist residents during this difficult period.
The DRMC is making donation points available where residents who have the means can donate blankets, non-perishable food, disposable nappies, baby food, sanitary items and other materials in this time of need.
The following drop off points are available for donations:
- The Urban Rural Development (083 521 0328), City of Cape Town Housing Department, cnr. Langalibalele Drive and Lerotholi Avenue, Langa
- Mustadafin Foundation (076 422 1667), corner of Heide and Antelope Court, Bridgetown.
The situation remains tense on site. City services are still present in order to ensure law and order.
We appeal to all community members and leadership structures to work with City services as we, the City will continue to support the affected community.