The City of Cape Town’s Human Settlements Directorate, Fire Services and Disaster Risk Management (DRM) officials are on the scene in Masiphumele where a fire tore through approximately 375 informal structures. Assessments are ongoing and the City will carry out the verification process of the affected residents once the site has been cleared of debris.
The City appeals to members of the public to please donate essential items such as blankets, baby food, nappies, baby milk and non-perishable food to the organisation Living Hope in Masiphumelele. Gift of the Givers is also assisting.
Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis and Mayoral Committee Member for Human Settlements, Councillor Malusi Booi visited the Z-Section (WZ) in Masiphumelele this morning to speak with the affected residents and for a first-hand account of the damage.
Yesterday, 21 November 2022, City firefighters stationed at Kommetjie Road saw smoke emitting from Masiphumelele area. When fire crews responded, they found several informal structures alight, but Law Enforcement and the South African Police Service had to be called in when members of the community tried to interfere with the work of the firefighters. Additional resources were requested and 15 firefighting appliances and about 70 staff members managed to contain the blaze, which spread to the wetlands area.
‘We are thankful that the firefighters managed to stop the blaze as quickly as they did and that there were no fatalities. We cannot comprehend the loss the families have experienced and we are doing all we can to assist.
‘Site clearing operations are underway, and our officials are busy with the verification process of the affected people. We ask residents in the area to be patient with us while our staff on the ground clear the debris. Water and sanitation teams are also on the ground helping with essential water and toilets.
‘We once again thank the Gift of the Givers and Living Hope for their assistance and we urge Capetonians to please donate essential items such as blankets, baby food, nappies, baby milk and non-perishable food to the organisation Living Hope in Masiphumelele,’ said Mayor Hill-Lewis.
‘The City can confirm that approximately 1600 were affected by the fire. Thankfully, no one was hurt and we thank the City’s fire teams for stopping the blaze as quickly as they did.
‘We will do all we can to assist the affected residents and our teams remain on site to ensure that the area is cleared as quickly as possible. The Z-section is situated in a densely populated area but our teams are working hard to clear all debris. It is believed many affected residents will be staying with friends and family in the area.
‘The City is doing everything possible to assist our affected residents. Resident who wish to donate, should please contact Living Hope which is coordinating the soft relief efforts,‘ said Councillor Booi.