A fire that destroyed more than 208 shacks in KwaZulu-Natal's Masinenge informal settlement has renewed warnings about the dangers of dry, windy conditions as authorities move to assist affected residents.
Ndabezinhle Sibiya, spokesperson for the MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, said the department had engaged Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane and Ray Nkonyeni Local Municipality Mayor Zodwa Mzindle following the blaze, which broke out in the early hours of the morning.
The cause of the fire remains unknown.
“Critically, we are warning residents and motorists about persisting dry, windy conditions accompanied by heatwaves,” Sibiya said.
He warned that the weather conditions could cause fires to spread rapidly, leaving communities devastated.
Residents were urged to exercise caution when starting fires, while motorists were warned against attempting to drive through uncontrolled fires.
Instead, drivers should stop at a safe distance to avoid colliding with stationary vehicles or putting themselves and others in danger.
A team led by the provincial department head, Max Mbili, is working with officials from the national department to facilitate the delivery of building materials to residents affected by the Masinenge fire.
Sibiya said the provincial department had also stressed the need to accelerate the profiling of victims to ensure that legitimate residents who had lost their homes were prioritised for assistance.
The settlement has experienced repeated devastating fires, prompting previous interventions by the department.
As a temporary measure, building materials were provided to residents while construction continued on more than 882 permanent houses under the Masinenge Slums Clearance Housing Project.
According to Sibiya, more than 586 residents have already been moved into newly built double-storey homes as part of the project.
Weeks ago, the department also handed over house keys and more than 399 title deeds to residents, alongside Deputy Minister of Human Settlements Tandi Mahambehlala.
However, the department has cautioned residents against renting out their newly allocated homes and returning to the informal settlement, which remains vulnerable to fires and flooding.
“This area is always affected by fires and natural disasters such as floods,” Sibiya said.
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