Aid pours in for Wupperthal

THE leader of the Moravian Mission Station in Wupperthal has expressed his joy at the outpouring of support for the town following the devastating blaze there that destroyed the mission station and an estimated 45 homes.

The fire, which left about 200 people homeless, tore through Wupperthal, situated in the Cederberg mountains, last Sunday, also gutting the town hall and damaging the local school.

Reverend Jasmin Redcliffe said the community had been overwhelmed by the support received both provincially and nationally.

“We are making good progress and our key focus now is the people who lost their homes,” he said.

The school would probably not reopen next week as its boarding house had been completely gutted.

Redcliffe said 53 families had been rendered homeless by the fire.

“Some of the people are sleeping with family in the area, some are still sleeping outside or on stoeps. We have been so fortunate that some of the guest houses in the area have opened their doors to those who have been left destitute.”

While electricity has not been restored to the town, Redcliffe said the main concerns at present were accommodation and making sure displaced residents had enough water.

Government departments and agencies have rallied to assist the homeless residents, including the Department of Social Services and the SA Social Security Agency.

Tuesday is expected to be an emotional day for the residents who lost their homes, as what remains will be flattened to allow for rebuilding to start.

“We have asked social workers from all over to help us on Tuesday. We know that it’s going to tough for the residents to see their homes destroyed further. Sometimes the people seem okay and other times they are very emotional,” said Redcliffe.

Today, displaced residents would receive food supplies, which were expected to last for a month. “The food is never enough. We always need water and blankets, and of course volunteers as well. We also need fridges that work with gas so we can keep the food fresh,” said Redcliffe.

Police are investigating the cause of the fire.

HENK KRUGER African News Agency (ANA) WESTERN Cape police are investigating arson as the possible cause of the fire that devastated the town of Wupperthal. Dozens of homes and other structures were gutted last Sunday as the blaze tore through the town. |