Cape Town - Residents of Kosovo informal settlement in Philippi say as soon as they rebuild their homes, they are in danger of being burned down again.
According to ward councillor Siphiwo Nqamndku, a fire broke out in the informal settlement on Saturday night, destroying 39 homes.
One woman was injured as her neighbours pulled her from her burning bed, and was taken to hospital.
Nobody was killed, but the damage has frustrated residents as it comes on the back of an even bigger fire.
Last week, a fire swept through the same area destroying 100 shacks, leaving 500 people homeless.
“Last week it was burning, yesterday it was burning,” said Ncedile Nkelekethe, who lost his home in Saturday’s fire. “It’s summertime; it’s going to burn again.”
He shared a house with Songezo Ndamase, who said they were struggling to rebuild with inadequate materials, but were at least a little better off than their unemployed neighbours.
“My money is burnt down,” Ndamase said. “My card and my ID is burnt down. I have money in the bank but I can’t get it.”
The two housemates worked nailing wooden beams together in the late afternoon sun on Sunday, wearing clothes borrowed from friends. They said the fire started thanks to end-of-the-month festivities - a group of women were cooking sausages, but forgot their cooking and left to buy more alcohol. When they returned, their home was on fire.
Nkelekethe woke up to the sound of belongings going up in smoke.
“I was sleeping. When I woke up this one was already burnt,” he said, pointing at the source of the fire. “I took my clothes, one bag.”
His frustration was clear as he tried to piece together the frame of a new home, knowing there is a high risk it will burn down again.
“We have stayed here more than 10 years. There are others who have been here 20 years,” he said. “Where are the houses? Nothing is happening. We are just going to buy the things we had before, again.”
On the closest access road, the charred remains of personal belongings were heaped on the pavement. In the mangled black mass, passers-by could pick out half a zipped-up lunch bag, a CD glinting in the sun and the arm of a red leather jacket.
Men and women carried beams and metal sheets up through the narrow pathways between densely-clustered shacks, trying to rebuild their homes before nightfall.
Nqamndku said he requested the rebuilding supplies early on Sunday morning, but it only arrived at 3pm.
“The city (council) doesn’t care about the people, that is the reality,” he said. “There’s no place to sleep.”
He also expressed weary frustration at the fire risk that constantly threatened different neighbourhoods in Kosovo.
“Last week it was that side. This time it’s here. Tomorrow, we don’t know.”
The city’s fire and rescue team’s Charlotte Powell said other support would also be provided in addition to the starter kits to rebuild their homes.
“We have supplied those displaced with hot meals, blankets, sanitary towels, clothing and food baskets - supplied by an NGO.
“People will be staying with friends and family. They were given fire kits to rebuild their homes. People opt to stay with friends and family because they don’t want to leave behind their belongings.”
Mayoral committee member for human settlements Benedicta van Minnen said the imminent Southern Corridor Project would see the upgrading of informal settlements along the N2, including Kosovo, with measures to protect against shack fires. “The project will deliver roads, improved sanitation, as well as safe electricity connections,” Van Minnen said.
“Key to the project is managing fire risks as shacks are ordinarily built in close proximity to one another, which means that fires spread rapidly. We aim to ensure greater room between shacks not only to prevent the spreading of fires but allow ease of access for emergency vehicles as well.”
Two other fires over the weekend brought to 135 the number of people left destitute by blazes over the weekend.
In Kensington, 14 structures were destroyed by fire leaving 40 people homeless, while in Bloekombos, nine structures burnt down, affecting 15 people.
Cape Argus