KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, has commended emergency and disaster response teams in eThekwini for their speed and efficiency following a devastating fire that displaced hundreds of residents.
A total of 477 people, including 299 children and 178 adults, were left homeless after a fire tore through the Quarry Road informal settlement, destroying about 130 shacks.
Duma said residents who contacted his office expressed appreciation for the rapid response by teams on the ground.
“Residents who contacted me and my office yesterday have expressed their deepest appreciation. Tribute must go to the team assigned by the mayor. Speed and efficiency are what should forever characterise our work as we move forward,” Duma said.
Authorities are working closely with eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba and Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane following the incident.
The fire is believed to have started in a shack rented by a foreign national who is still at large.
A multi-disciplinary team has been deployed to provide ongoing support to affected residents. The team includes officials from human settlements, led by head of department Max Mbili, as well as eThekwini disaster management teams and the national Department of Human Settlements. They are working alongside Ward 25 Councillor Mkhize and the ward committee.
As a temporary measure, displaced residents have been accommodated in two marquees while further assistance is being arranged.
Government has prioritised support for children affected by the fire, with plans underway to provide school uniforms to enable them to return to school. KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Education Sipho Hlomuka is receiving updates from his department on the intervention.
Teams have also been deployed to assist residents with the replacement of identity documents and birth certificates lost in the fire.
Additional support is being provided by KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Health Nomagugu Simelane and MEC for Social Development Mbali Shinga, who have dispatched teams to assist affected families.
Several organisations have stepped in to provide relief, including the Gift of the Givers Foundation, Al Imdaad Foundation and the Red Cross, as well as local community members and the Ikabawo Performing Arts Academy, who are supplying meals and essential items.
Duma said a roving team will remain in the area to ensure continued assistance to residents as recovery efforts continue. – SAnews.gov.za
