Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) MEC Jacob Mamabolo is making yet another plea to Gauteng communities to help in preventing fires that leave a trail of destructions in communities, particularly in informal settlements. The MEC made this call following a second fire in 7 days that hit the same area of Mangolongolo in Denver last night.
“This is one of the saddest accidents where one community is hit by two fire outbreaks in just a week. It clearly shows that community vigilance needs strengthening. Communities must prioritise fire prevention particularly during this winter season”, MEC Mamabolo said.
70 shacks were burned down and 181 people have been affected by this incident. No injuries or fatalities were reported. It is suspected that the cause of the fire is illegal and unsafe connection of electricity cables.
“I appeal to all communities in Gauteng to be extra cautious and help in avoiding destruction of property, injuries and fatalities. Don’t leave candles unattended, keep an eye on paraffin heaters and stoves, braziers (umbawula) and not allow unprotected live electric wires in houses”, MEC warned.
Many of these fires can be prevented and many lives saved with the necessary preventative measures in place. This is exactly one of the reasons why the COGTA Fire & Rescue Services, supported by municipalities, recently embarked on a winter awareness campaign across all Gauteng regions.
The main purpose of these awareness campaigns is to ensure that vulnerable communities have basic knowledge of and understand the dangers of fire as well as the functioning of the emergency services in general, and the fire brigade in particular. The aim is also to mitigate the number and impact of fires within the Gauteng region in particular vulnerable areas such as informal settlement and rural areas.
For more information contact:
Motsamai Motlhaolwa
Cell: 079 897 2240
