Fire ravaged Khayelitsha to be revamped
2013-01-02 14:04
Johannesburg - Khayelitsha's BM section, ravaged by fire
on New Year's Day, will be upgraded, the City of Cape Town said on Wednesday.
"Any suggestions that the City has not been active
in the community to ensure that it is upgraded in a caring and dignified manner
are completely untrue," human settlements mayoral committee member Ernest
Sonnenberg said.
Three men were killed, one was seriously injured and more
than 3 000 people were displaced in Tuesday's fire. Approximately 800 shacks
were destroyed.
Sonnenberg said it was alleged the fire was caused by
drunk people who had become negligent.
He said discussions and plans about upgrading the area
had been in the works for "a long period of time".
Ultimately, local government wanted to ensure that
residents received tenure and necessary services.
"The city has been negotiating with the various
landowners concerned to purchase land."
At the moment, the city's informal settlements department
was working to improve safety measures against fire and floods, and provide
access to electricity for all residents.
Sonnenberg said the biggest problem in upgrading the area
was its high density. Although local officials had tried to meet with residents
to explore possible relocations, this had been met with resistance. Sonnenberg
said this had delayed the planned upgrade.
He urged residents rebuilding their structures to
position them at least 3m apart.
"Unfortunately this is not always adhered to, making
it very difficult for fire-fighting vehicles to gain access when attempting to
extinguish a fire."
On Wednesday efforts were underway to help residents
affected by the fire.
The public was invited to make donations such as food,
wood, paraffin, blankets, and money.
- SAPA
