Durban - Fire from a brazier that a resident was using to keep warm is believed to have sparked the inferno that destroyed nearly 60 shacks at the Foreman Road informal settlement in Clare Estate.
No one had been injured in on Sunday's fire, said Mayibuye People’s Movement spokesman, Mnikelo Ndabankulu.
“One of the residents had an old drum outside the house where they had lit a fire during the evening to keep warm. They left it outside overnight. We’re not sure what raised the flames, but we do know the fire spread,” he said.
Ndabankulu said the shacks could have been saved had it not been for a fire hydrant valve that had been covered during the resurfacing of the road. The new tar on the surface covered the valve, preventing the fire department from using a nearby hydrant.
Ndabankulu said firefighters were delayed and had to use another hydrant half a kilometre away.
“We will pursue the legal route with the contractor. He must pay for the damages. He is lucky there were no deaths,” he said.
The eThekwini Municipality's disaster management department visited the site to see how best it could assist the displaced shack dwellers. Some residents have begun rebuilding their shacks.
Gift of the Needy director, Faiaz Magid, assisted the victims with food, blankets and meals.
Daily News