Human settlements department promises emergency housing grants to Booysens fire victims
The department of Human settlement, Water and Sanitation has committed itself into providing emergency housing grants to Booysens’ informal settlement dwellers that were left destitute after a fire ravaged their homes.
Human settlements spokesperson, McIntosh Polela says, “The department is going to extend grants to the Johannesburg Metro through our disaster grants in order to ensure that people that were affected by the fire will be assisted.”
The department says it will also be bringing in Rand Water in order to ensure that there is sufficient water in the temporary shelters where the victims have been temporarily moved. Polela says they will also ensure the provision of sanitation and decontamination throughout the period that the victims will be staying in the temporary shelters.
The department plans to work with the Department of Social Development in order for them to assist in identifying South Africans, including women and children, within the displaced group.
On Sunday, Johannesburg Mayor Geoff Makhubo said 80% of the fire victims are non-South Africans and the city was going to embark on a de-densifying drive.
The City has also promised to assist the community members, with building materials to rebuild their homes.
The fire, which is believed to have been started by a Kerosene stove, destroyed over 700 shacks and left thousands of people destitute. Report by Voice of Wits producer and newsreader, Lerato Mohoto.