Cape Town - Disaster again struck an Athlone informal settlement when a fire destroyed several shacks just barely a year after a devastating blaze destroyed homes in the same area.
About 160 Vlei informal settlement residents were left destitute after the fire burned down 40 shacks in the community in Belgravia Road, Athlone.
Vlei community leader Nosipiwo Kori said residents were completely devastated by the incident and despondent, knowing that they would have to start rebuilding their lives once again.
“Hundreds of families have once again lost their homes to a tragic fire. They are going through such a difficult time right now. I think more so because after the last fire we were promised that we would be moved from this place to a housing development in Elsies River, yet months later disaster has struck again.
“We don’t know how the fire started. All we know is that it started around 2pm at the home of a resident who wasn’t home at the time. Other neighbours tried to put out the fire, but it was too late.
“We now have about 160 fire victims who need assistance. Sadly, they haven’t yet received anything, and we are appealing to anyone who can assist to please come forward,” said Kori.
Athlone councillor Mogamat Cassiem said: “It’s unfortunate that the national government took the budget the City used to use to assist fire victims, and one can see how much it helped now that it’s not there.
“We need to continue lobbying the government to return that funding so we can continue to assist people in need.
“Meanwhile, I am working with my network of friends and family to try and source some essential donations for the victims. So far we are arranging some steel sheets and sanitary packs that we will give to them.
“We are calling on anyone who would like to donate and assist to please do so. Everything we can collect to assist will be most welcome,” said Cassiem.
For more information on how you can assist or where to drop off donations, please contact Nosiphiwo Kori on +27 73 691 3234.