This is truly a horrific tragedy and there are simply no words to describe what this fire has done to the families that lived in these three homes. Their lives will never be the same again.
Mayor Dan Plato and I are shocked by the destruction we have seen here today. I have activated one of our service providers, the Red Cross, to provide material assistance to the survivors.
This will include food, blankets, clothes and shoes. In addition, our social workers, who have been here on the scene for some time, are assessing the situation so that the department can provide trauma and bereavement counselling. Of course, based on this assessment we will know what further assistance we need to provide.
As a community it is now up to us, here in Macassar and beyond, to support the survivors in the coming days and weeks. Mayor Plato and I have agreed that while the City will help with the costs of the funerals of the six children, the Department of Social Development will do the same for the three adults.
I have also visited the two injured residents that were hospitalised and we will continue to watch their progress closely. Of course, it is too early to say what started the fire and we will wait for the police investigation to be completed.
Media enquiries:
Steven Otter
Cell: 084 233 3811
MEC Patricia de Lille statement from the Macassar fire scene
Province
