Unbearable life for 25 people sharing home after shack blaze
The family have been unable to construct the starter kits supplied by the City’s Disaster Management after the fire as they have been requested to submit building plans before construction.
Pensioner Ferdinand van Heerden, 70, sleeps in a makeshift structure outside his own home.
“We were very grateful to the City which quickly responded to our call for help following the fire, giving us the starter kits, but then their officials stopped us building. They told us we must get an architect and submit plans before we can build, then tore down the structures,” said Van Heerden.
He said he could not allow his daughters and grandchildren to sleep in cramped quarters, so he and the other men of their home decided to sleep outside.
The three structures housed 14 family members, said resident Ashlene Walters who, with her 10-month-old baby, shares a bedroom with six other people.
“The fire was started by accident, as a candle fell over and the response from the Disaster Management and neighbours was magnificent as we lost everything. Thankfully no one was hurt, but with the current conditions, we have to live on top of each other and it’s raining while my grandfather and the men sleep outside,”said Walters.
Community member Sebastian Adams said he had been trying to assist the family by contacting the ward councillor and the City.
“The family cannot afford to pay an architect to draw up the plans, what little is brought in is to provide for themselves. The response from people has been amazing, especially in providing school clothes for the children and formula and nappies for the small babies,” said Adams
Mayoral committee member for Area Central Siyabulela Mamkeli confirmed that three enhanced kits were issued to the residents on June 24 after an assessment was undertaken by the informal settlements department.
“A building inspector from the City’s development management department did inform the occupants that they would need to submit a building plan application.
“However, they were not stopped from erecting the structures as these temporary kits were issued to offer the family emergency relief after the fire,” said Mamkeli
He said the building inspector advised the family to put the structures a metre away from the boundary to prevent a similar accident in future.
dominic.adriaanse@inl.co.za
Cape Times