The City has confirmed that 260 structures were destroyed and 767 residents were affected by the fire that devastated the Joe Slovo informal settlement in Langa on Saturday. The City’s Disaster Risk Management Centre and Informal Settlements management have completed the registration process for the fire victims.
They said the number is lower than the initial estimates, and they are grateful for that.
“It has been challenging, but I commend everyone who has had a hand in extinguishing the fire and ensuring that no lives were lost, and who have been on scene around the clock since, to provide support and relief to the residents who have lost everything,” said the acting mayor, Alderman Eddie Andrews.
He said their services have been on the ground since Saturday evening, just after the Fire and Rescue Service was alerted to the incident.
While the Solid Waste Department has not been able to clear the fire debris yet, some residents have started to rebuild their structures.
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) and Gift of the Givers are also on the ground providing meals and sanitary packs for the victims.
“The City’s Water and Sanitation Department is delivering 10 chemical toilets to the site later this week. The Solid Waste Department has not been able to clear the fire debris yet, as some residents have started to rebuild their structures,” he said.
They’ve thanked the residents who have heeded the call to help Langa residents in their 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.
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Man loses his life due to Langa Fire’s relentless flames in Cape Town
Picture: Cape Town Etc