Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality is working around the clock to mitigate the effects of
shack fires in Kamvelihle where 45 shack were completely destroyed on 24 November.
According to reports by the Municipality Fire and Emergency Services, the fire has
destroyed 45 shacks.
“The Municipality is pleased that there were no injuries or loss of life,” they said in a statement.
The Fire and Emergency Services received a call around 17:10 on 24
November about a shack fire that broke out.
Four fire engines with manpower were dispatched.
On arrival about 20 shacks were already affected. The fire was brought under control
around 19:15.
By the time the fire was brought under control, 45 shacks were already completely
destroyed.
Investigations about the cause of the fire are still underway.
Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Executive Mayor, Retief Odendaal, has called on
businesses and residents to assist by donating any items, ranging from clothing,
groceries, toiletries and any other useful items as the property and all valuables of the
affected were destroyed by the fire.
“The Municipality would also like to thank stakeholders and businesses that have
donated and those who have also committed to donate.
The Provincial Department of Social Development and SASSA have already assisted
with relief packages.
Companies and organisations like Coca Cola, Al Imdaad, Red Cross, SASSA, Gift of
the Givers, Shoprite Head Office have also came up to the rescue by donating food
and other valuable relief items.”
More relief donations are expected throughout the
weekend.
- Those who want to donate can bring their donations to Noninzi Luzipho
Building (former Pleinhuis opposite City Hall) during the day.
“The Municipality would like advise residents, more especially those who live at
informal settlements that they must not leave any fires unattended. This includes
cooking stoves, candles, braai fires and any flammable items that might ignite and
spread fires.
Residents are also advised not to build their shacks too close to each other as this
leads to a quick spread of the fire.”
