Cape Town – Support workers and clergy have arrived in Wupperthal to support victims of a devastating fire that left about 200 people homeless.
This is while demolition work of historical buildings has begun. The historical mission station was on lockdown as of yesterday in preparation for the demolition work.
Officials said access to the Wupperthal Moravian Mission Station was restricted as heavy vehicles, machinery and equipment moved into the town.
Wupperthal Fire Disaster spokesperson Wilfred Solomons-Johannes said the support programme would also put in place a plan for the people to restore their lives.
“In preparation and support of the disaster victims, the Department of Social Development of the Western Cape government will be deploying social workers to the disaster area. The Moravian Church of Southern Africa has also called in its clergy from different congregations across South Africa to help with counselling.
“This is part of the psycho-social programme to support the disaster victims who will witness the painful demolition of their homes and where their last remaining memory of their livelihood will be destroyed,” Solomons-Johannes said.
The fire occurred on Sunday, December 30, and only four days later could the water supply be restored.
The Moravian Church of Southern Africa made available two pockets of land measuring seven hectares within the mission station for emergency housing.
To donate to the fire victims, visit https://www.fruitful-futures.com/wuppertal-fire-relief/
Separately, yesterday marked a week since a wildfire started ravaging Betty’s Bay in the Overberg, and the municipality said the R44 Clarence Drive between Rooi Els and Gordon’s Bay remained closed.
Strong south-easterly wind and the rugged terrain of the mountains had hampered fire-fighting efforts, and flames have claimed the life of one person.
Holidaymakers at the Houw Hoek Hotel in Grabouw had to be evacuated when the fire threatened the hotel property.
At the weekend, campers at the Kogelbaai resort had to be evacuated, and more than 7 000ha of vegetation had burned, the municipality said.
“Maximum efforts are being put in to this battle: 120 firefighters from OM, ODM, goFPA, WoF, NCC VWS CN CoC, supported SPCA, the SAPS, law enforcement, traffic. (There are) 14 firefighting vehicles, and three choppers,” the municipality said.
Betty’s Bay Fire Incident Commander, Marlu Rust, said: “Mop-up operations and fire suppression are the main objectives for (yesterday). As the fire is in the upper slopes above the Kogelberg Nature Reserve mountain, Working on Fire and NCC Environment crew were taken up via helicopter to work on those lines.
“At this stage the fire remains at 60% contained, with no infrastructures at risk. Currently there are 120 operational firefighters in a joint effort to contain the Betty’s Bay Fire which has been raging for the past seven days.”