A fire at the Overcome Heights informal settlement near Seawinds left 80 people, among them women and children, displaced.
Karen Mentoor, a community leader, says they were called to the scene of the fire shortly after lunch on Tuesday.
“One person came to tell us about the fire and at the time the wind was very strong, the flames kept us from saving much in their homes when we got to the scene.
“We tried to help people in the surrounding areas and we managed to help some people remove a few items.”
She added that around 15 structures and around 80 people were displaced including people with disabilities.
“Families and one person who has no legs had to be assisted and the saddest part is that the City doesn’t give any materials to rebuild structures.
According to Mentoor, there were no injuries while two animals perished in the fire.
“A cat and a dog died in the fire; they are busy removing it.”
Meanwhile, those who lost all their belongings received clothing from the Where Rainbows Meet Foundation.
“The local councillor came to assist us up until 23:00 last night.
“I must applaud (Ward 45) councillor Mandy Marr for being here so late in very windy, cold conditions, she was here the whole night to try and assist us.”
On Tuesday night, while some residents slept in the community centre others remained under the night sky to watch over their meagre belongings.
“These are our homes, we have nowhere else to go and whatever we have built in 17 years is destroyed when there is just one fire.”
She added that many of the residents, including herself, have been on a housing waiting list for several years.
“Many of us have been on housing lists for more than 20 years and we’ve asked for the use of the Italy sport field which is right next to Overcome Heights to start something (homes) for us.
“Instead, people are being robbed, killed and burned on that field.
“It’s very sad to me, I think it’s time they do a housing project for the people of Overcome Heights so that they can build their own homes.”
“And I think the government must release funds to give to informal settlements for starter kits. The City does not provide it anymore.”
Marr confirmed that around 80 people were left displaced.
“The fire was absolutely terrible. There was a list of approximately 80 people who were affected including women, children and babies.
“Disaster risk management was at the scene within minutes.
“Everyone found a safe space to sleep for the evening and we contacted Living Hope who were activated to assist with blankets.”
Fire service spokesperson Jermaine Carelse said emergency crews responded to the incident at around 12:50.
“The emergency call was received at approximately 12:50 of informal structures alight in Patrick Avenue, Seawinds, on Tuesday 30 August.
“Fire crews from Lakeside, Wynberg, Milnerton, Constantia, Ottery and Bellville were on scene with four fire engines, two water tankers and a rescue vehicle.”
He added that several informal structures were destroyed and that no injuries or fatalities were reported.
“The fire was extinguished at 15:17 and the cause is unknown.”
