CAFE FIRES AFTERMATH

THE City of Cape Town’s disaster risk management, informal

settlements and solid waste management departments have been assisting residents affected by this week’s fires in Khayelitsha, Philippi

and Vrygrond.

The fire in Vrygrond/Capricorn razed 304 structures, of which 288 were completely destroyed yesterday. The cause is unknown and is

being investigated.

The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) is providing social relief. Gift of the Givers and the South African Red Cross Society are assisting the community with humanitarian relief.

The city’s solid waste management cleared the site and removed the fire residue and debris so that rebuilding of homes can get under way as soon as possible.

Disaster risk management remained on scene and the City’s informal settlement management and backyarder department has started delivering the enhanced emergency building kits to registered

residents. The issuing of kits will likely start today, if all goes

according to plan.

The Red Cross issued tents to the fire victims that will be pitched on the nearby Sea Winds Sports Field. The electricity services and water and waste services departments will begin to restore damaged

infrastructure.

Donations may be dropped off at

the Lakeside fire station. Residents are asked not to donate perishable items, especially bread.

The city has made the Mayoral Relief Fund available and the details for donations are: Nedbank, account number 1158667043, branch code

198765, ref A009.

All Silver Town, Khayelitsha fire victims received their emergency kits on Wednesday where 342

households were affected. In Kosovo, Philippi, fire destroyed

120 homes on Sunday.

Fires can be reported to the city’s Public Emergency Communication

Centre by dialling 107 from a landline or 112 (toll-free) from a cellphone.