Home Affairs Minister Naledi Pandor will visit survivors of the Khayelitsha fire disaster in Cape Town today. She will lead a team of government officials who will issue temporary identity documents to affected residents.
Three people have been confirmed dead while 3000 have been displaced by the fire that broke out on New Year's Day. Disaster management officials say it's possible that more bodies could be recovered.
Spokesman Wilfred Solomons-Johannes of the city's disaster risk management centre said at 1.12am a fire was reported at Thembeni informal settlement in Du Noon.
"The fire destroyed 15 formal houses and another 220 shacks in the area. As a result of the fire 800 people were left displaced," he said.
The blaze also damaged the overhead electricity supply and technicians were repairing the system at 3.30pm on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, in Khayelitsha a fire destroyed 120 shacks on Monday at 7.15pm leaving 200 people homeless at the WD-section.
Solomons-Johannes said another devastating fire broke-out at BM-section of Khayelitsha at 4.45am on Tuesday.
A large contingent of public safety agencies from Disaster Risk Management, Fire & Rescue Services, Metro Emergency Medical Services, City's law enforcement agencies brought the flames under control.
"The blaze destroyed over 800 shacks leaving more than 3 000 people homeless," he said.
The Home Affairs Department is working with the Social Development Department to provide emergency relief.
The aid organisation, Gift of the Givers, is also offering help. The City of Cape Town says it will upgrade a section of the township.
Friday 4 January 2012
http://www.sabc.co.za/news/a/1599dd804e0e123d8519b7f251b4e4e2/Pandor-to-visit-the-Khayelitsha-fire-disaster-survivors-20130104
http://www.timeslive.co.za/local/2013/01/02/khayelitsha-thembeni-fires-kill-three-leaves-4000-homeless
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