Cape Town - The City of Cape Town has revealed that it's too soon to know the cost of the damages for the fires that broke out in Khayelitsha this past weekend.
Spokesperson for Disaster Risk Management Centre, Mandy Thomas had previously revealed that 342 structures had been destroyed, displacing 1 355 people in the fire at Silver Town, Khayelitsha. In a separate incident on Saturday, a fire occurred in the Kosovo informal settlement in Philippi. Approximately 120 dwellings were destroyed and approximately 1 400 people have been affected.
"This information is currently not available as it is still being collated," said City of Cape Town’s Executive Director for Safety and Security, Richard Bosman.
City services were on scene and the Informal Settlements Department issuing kits for people to start rebuilding their homes, Thomas had revealed.
Mayoral committee member for safety and security; and social services, JP Smith added: "Keep in mind that to the best of my knowledge we are still the only city in South Africa that provides starter kits for victims of fire to help them rebuild."
Thomas said: "The South African Social Services Agency (SASSA) has been, and will continue providing humanitarian relief. Donations have been pouring into the Khayelitsha Fire Station from concerned citizens. The City wishes to thank everyone for their willingness to help."
The Gift of the Givers teams were also in Khayelitsha, arranging meals for the victims of the blaze.
To assist, GoTG may be contacted toll-free on 0800786911. Alternatively, phone Badr Kazi on 0832281298 or Ali Sablay on 0826514195.
In a separate incident, a fire occurred in the Kosovo informal settlement in Philippi on Saturday night. About 120 dwellings were destroyed and some 1400 people had been affected. City officials were still on site assessing the damage, the city said.
Banking details to assist the Kosovo residents are as follows: Mayoral Relief Fund, Nedbank, account number 1158667043, branch code 198765 and ref A009.
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