Non-governmental organisations (NGOs), in conjunction with eThekwini Municipality, have been working around the clock to provide necessities to more than 2 000 residents of the Kennedy Road informal settlement in Durban following a fire that spread rapidly, destroying more than 1 000 homes during the early hours of Sunday morning, 16 July.
The blaze resulted in the untimely death of a 25-year-old man from the Eastern Cape, as well as injuries to four people, and has destroyed 1 101 homes, leaving 1 710 adults and 647 children without a roof over their heads. The cause of the fire has not been confirmed as yet, however, it is alleged to have been caused by illegal electricity connections.
Lindiwe Khuzwayo, head of communications at eThekwini Municipality, said that the city has been assisting thousands of displaced residents following the fire. She said that in addition to their homes, residents lost belongings, legal documentation and other essential items.
“Municipal Disaster Management teams have conducted assessments and have organised the provision of humanitarian support for the affected families. Water tankers have also been made available and our Human Settlements Department is currently capturing the beneficiary list for the provision of building materials.
“The affected residents have been housed in the local community hall, though many have opted to stay near their sites due to fear of losing them,” said Khuzwayo.
Relief efforts continue as NGOs such as Gift of the Givers, Meals on Wheels and Red Cross have worked closely with the city and together they have managed to assist with the provision of hots meals, mattresses, blankets, baby hampers and mobile toilets.
