Following a series of devastating fires in Cape Town, Human Settlement Minister Thembi Simelane urged residents to avoid using burnt materials to rebuild their homes.
“We are going to move around to encourage our people not to rebuild using burnt material because it is a health hazard,” Simelane stated during her visit to the affected areas.
JacarandaFM Newsreported, she assured residents that the government would distribute new building materials to assist with reconstruction.
Simelane confirmed that fresh supplies are expected to arrive by Sunday, 29 December, emphasising the importance of building safely and sustainably. She expressed concern over recurring fire disasters in informal settlements and called for collective efforts to address the issue.
Challenges of fires in informal settlements
Cape Town has reported six fires since the start of the month, highlighting the vulnerability of informal settlements. Simelane pointed out that overcrowding and closely packed structures contribute significantly to the risks.
“We are looking into a long-term solution, but fire blocking is not possible here, it is not relatively easy for the province or the city because of how congested the space is,” she explained.
She also noted that many residents build on servitudes, areas meant for public utilities or infrastructure, further complicating fire prevention efforts.
Simelane urged residents to collaborate with authorities to minimise risks.
“Disaster is about prevention, not just the response,” she said, stressing the need for proactive measures.
Preparing for future wildfires
Simelane warned that more wildfires could occur due to strong winds in the region. However, she expressed hope that with the planned interventions, the government would be better prepared to mitigate the impact.
She reiterated the importance of adopting preventive measures, such as safe building practices and creating awareness among residents.
What steps can communities and government take together to ensure safer living conditions and reduce the risk of future fires?
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