Families of Delmore left devastated following fire
The destitute families are pleading to the community for assistance so that they can rebuild their lives. Their immediate needs include corrugated iron, food, clothes, blankets, school uniform and toiletries.
Over 50 families from Delmore informal settlement, who lost all their belongings when a fire broke out on March 29, are desperately in need of help.
More than 45 shacks were burnt beyond recognition in the early hours of the morning.
Spokesperson of the Ekurhuleni emergency services William Ntladi said fire-fighters battled the blaze just after 8am until around 11am.
“One of our members was in the area busy with an inspection when she noticed smoke coming out in one of the shacks. She then immediately informed us and we responded to the fire.
“Seven fire engines from different stations were on site to extinguish the flames and to contain the hot spots.”
Ntladi said the fire broke out from a two-storey shack before the flames spread.
Four people were attended to on site and were afterwards sent to the hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation and burn wounds.
Ward committee leader Sizwe Hlatswayo said: “On the night of March 29, about 65 families slept in their neighbour’s houses and others at the hall.
“These families don’t have anything because everything they had caught fire. They lost their identity documents, birth certificates, furniture, clothes and other personal belongings.
“Since the incident, caregivers have been visiting our area to provide food to the affected families. I went to different schools to let the schools know what happened and to at least assist by providing these learners with stationery while we try to get sponsors who will sponsor them with uniform.”
Hlatswayo said they were disappointed with metro officials as they had not provided help, even though they had submitted a list of needs to the Disaster and Emergency Services officials. The list stipulates the number of families who were affected.
Refrain from attacking firefighters
Ntladi said the City of Ekurhuleni Disaster Management acknowledged that 63 shacks were destroyed, and had assisted the families with disaster relief aid such as food and blankets.
“The Human settlement department was contacted to help to rebuild structures and to relocate people who were displaced. We plead with members of the public to please refrain from attacking firefighters on scene.
“This will minimise the magnitude of destruction to properties. Crews arriving at the scene had to be pulled out for their safety as members of the public attacked them.
“We believe that had it not been of these attacks, a number of shacks could have been saved,” Ntladi said.
To assist the families you may contact Hlatswayo on 082 3964 342.
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