MEC Mekgwe comments on the scourge of devastating shack fires
In the wake of the damaging shack fires that claimed the life of at least one person over the weekend, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC Ntombi Mekgwe expressed her sincere condolences to the family of 29 year-old Dipheto Chabedi. Mr Chabedi tragically died in a fire that swept through the Devland informal settlement, south of Johannesburg.
“My heart goes out to the Chabedi family for this unexpected loss. The runaway fires have once again robbed us of a member of our community”, MEC Mekgwe said.
Several people were also left destitute following another reported fire in the Kya Sands informal settlement over the weekend. During September last year, the MEC also visited Kya Sands after a devastating fire which claimed the lives of two residents.
During this visit, the MEC warned about the fire hazards posed by the close proximity in which the shacks are build to each other. “This is not only putting people’s lives and property in real and imminent danger, but it also makes it very difficult and sometimes impossible for services such as emergency vehicles to reach the people in need”, MEC Mekgwe said.
Kya Sands is one of the areas targeted by the Provincial Government in the eradication of informal settlements. Despite the challenge of very little developable land in the area, a total of 7671 beneficiaries from the Kaya Sands Community, have been identified to date to benefit from a housing project which will relocate residents to an adjacent Lion Park area. The aim of the Provincial Government is to provide the shack dwelling community with proper homes as soon as possible.
Paraffin stoves or candles left unattended, are amongst the most common reported causes for shack fires across the province. These fires can spread rapidly due to the fact that shacks are build practically next to each other making it easy for any fire to spread very fast.
For further information contact:
Motsamai Motlhaolwa
Cell: 079 897 2240
E-mail: Motsamai.motlhaolwa@gauteng.gov.za
