Shack fire DA's fault, says ANC
2013-03-16 19:00
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Two people died and 600 shacks were destroyed in the Cape Winelands after a fire ripped through an informal settlement. Watch.
Johannesburg - The fire that left two people dead and over
4000 people displaced in Kayamandi, Stellenbosch is the DA's fault, the ANC
said on Saturday.
"The DA should take full responsibility for this
disaster and its pathetic attempts to visit residents after the fire should be
taken for what they are," African National Congress Western Cape Chairperson
Marius Fransman said.
He said if the Democratic Alliance's provincial government
was committed to delivering services and homes to the poor, this tragedy could
have been avoided.
"The reality is that this government of white privilege
feels little if anything for these residents. It has consistently underspent
its budget, especially on housing and infrastructure."
The DA's spokesperson Mmusi Maimane called Fransman's
comments cheap politicking.
"It is frankly disgusting that Mr Fransman would aim to
politicise this tragedy. Playing politics with this tragedy is not the right
way forward."
He said the City of Cape Town, the Town Council in
Stellenbosch and province's department of social development had provided
extensive support already.
"Since Friday morning, 200 temporary structures have
been built to house the fire victims."
Stellenbosch Mayor, Conrad Sidego thanked all parties who
had come to assist the displaced. He said the situation had stabilised.
"The situation is under control and the municipality is
working hard to normalise the situation for those affected by the fire."
Relief efforts
The latest disaster management report showed that 1 250
shacks were affected and that the total number of displaced people was 4 500.
He said that the municipality had offered two halls to be
used as accommodation for the victims, but that only 12 people took up the
offer.
30 mobile toilets were set up on Friday evening, only five
were found this morning.
"Theft under these conditions should be condemned. The
community needs to work with the municipality in ensuring that they are in fact
benefiting from the relief efforts. Theft cannot be tolerated," said
Sidego.
Food was being provided by the Provincial Department of
Social Development and clean up efforts had also started.
The department of Home Affairs had registered victims and
the process of re-issuing IDs and social grant access cards was underway, said
Sidego.
School uniforms were being purchased for affected children.
It was reported that two people died in the fire.
- SAPA
