By Bongekile Gumede
Residents of Palmiet Road Informal Settlement are blaming a drunk resident for starting the fire which gutted over 102 homes as confirmed by members of the informal settlement committee on Sunday night, 15 May.
According to a committee member, the man likes cooking when he is drunk and had perviously been cautioned by others not to cook when he is drunk for such obvious reasons. “Among the 102 homes, 48 children have been affected while 196 adults lost everything in the blaze,” said the committee member who chose not to be named.
On Tuesday morning, 17 May, the Springfield Weekly Gazette visited the informal settlement and spoke to the same committee member who informed us that no relief had been received, just a tent for shelter, blankets and some mattresses which were not enough for all the affected families.
“What the people are really in need of is building material so that they can rebuild their homes. We have people also on chronic medication who lost all their documentation to get it. Some of the elderly could not even sleep in the tent and had to be taken to relatives for temporary shelter and care they are needing. The affected mothers and children are also in need of baby items such as diapers, baby formula and some clothing. As we speak this morning, we have not eaten anything. I am even left with just what I am wearing right now,” the committee member said.
He said that what the residents are hoping for is for the government departments such as Home Affairs, South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) and the Department of Health to assist them urgently so that they can apply for their identity documents (IDs) and social grants.
A community crèche run by one of the residents was also caught in the blaze and working moms who left their children at the crèche are in outcry as the crèche is no more. One of the mothers said: “Despite the fact that my home was destroyed in the fire and that I lost everything, my biggest worry is where my child will stay when I go to work. For me to rebuild my home, I need to work. I have lost everything, my child’s clothes, birth certificate, ID and everything else. I do not even know where to start.”
EThekwini Municipality Spokesperson, Msawakhe Mayisela, said there is currently a procurement process in progress via the City’s Human Settlements Department. “There is always a delay because, understandably, procurement processes must be followed, despite the urgency of any such matter. Materials will be delivered as soon as they are available.”
Responding to the issue of the people not receiving enough blankets, Mayisela said: “The totals indicate 194 people affected, inclusive of women and children. More than 200 blankets have been issued and mattresses to supply their needs. We also erected two marquees there, which are utilised by very few of the affected people, most choosing to accommodate with relatives or friends. Pictures taken at 10pm last night indicate very few people inside. It must also be noted that in the aftermath of the recent floods, the City is supplying to nearly 100 flood care centres with food items daily. We are doing the best we can under the circumstances.”
Ward 23 Councillor, Alicia Kissoon, said it was very fortunate that there were no fatalities, however, the fact that there are people who are now homeless with children and newborns is really sad.
She said that fortunately, with the donations from non-government organisations (NGOs), the people have been given some food and two tents were erected at Bolton Park to accommodate the people. “Disaster management estimated that the victims will be housed in the tents for at least a week until they are able to provide assistance for the rebuilding of homes, however, I have not received any confirmation from the municipality to give a firm confirmation. I have communicated that urgent intervention is required as there are currently no ablution facilities on the site, which is essential to give dignity to those who have lost everything and only have the clothes on their backs,” said Cllr Kissoon.
She said meals will be provided as it has been confirmed by the sponsor. “One of the problems we have is that people are walking around and sometimes miss the meals as they are not there when they are being served. It is a terrible situation, however, we do have some NGOs willing to assist.”
The Springfield Weekly Gazette contacted SASSA to find out how the victims will be assisted with replacing their SASSA cards in order to continue with their grant collections.
Sandy Godlwana of SASSA said: “A list of affected beneficiaries can be sent to the local SASSA office so that the payment methods will be confirmed. Those requiring replacement of SASSA or SAPO cards are requested to visit a SASSA office with their ID or temporary ID, an affidavit from the SAPS indicating the reason for the request for a new SASSA card along with their personal details and a letter of authority from SASSA confirming the details of the beneficiary or pensioner who is currently collecting the grant or pension.”
