Kamogelo Moichela|Published
City of Tshwane has mobilised emergency relief for families affected by a devastating fire at Bagdad Informal Settlement in Salvokop, which destroyed approximately 100 shacks and claimed the life of one resident.
The disaster has left 187 people, including 10 children, affected, with families losing their homes and essential belongings.
The city and humanitarian organisations stepped in to provide food, mattresses, hygiene supplies and temporary shelter.
Human Settlements MMC Aaron Maluleka said the immediate priority was to ensure that displaced residents received necessities while officials assessed what further assistance was required.
The City’s Disaster Management team has made 50 mattresses available.
At the same time, the Department of Community and Social Development has arranged cooked meals for affected residents for the day of the announcement and the following day.
Maluleka said the City’s Food Bank would be activated on Monday after officials assessed the needs of affected households.
Humanitarian organisations have also committed substantial support.
Gift of the Givers has pledged 260 mattresses and blankets, 130 hygiene packs and cooked meals.
The Laudium PMT Burial Society is also providing meals to residents.
“We are grateful for the support of civil society organisations that have responded to the emergency,” he said.
Meanwhile, the city is arranging temporary accommodation at a local church for those who need shelter after losing their homes.
The emergency response comes as affected families face the immediate challenge of finding somewhere to stay and replacing essential possessions destroyed in the blaze.
Maluleka acknowledged the support of civil society organisations and said the city would continue working with residents and humanitarian partners over the coming days as recovery efforts progressed.
“We therefore appeal to residents to exercise extreme caution when using open flames, candles and electrical appliances,” he urged residents.
The cause of the Salvokop fire was not specified in the city’s statement.
Maluleka extended condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased resident, while expressing sympathy for families who had lost their homes and possessions.
“Our thoughts also go out to every family thathas lost a home and possessions in this devastating fire”.
kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za
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