A fire has destroyed shacks in a Plettenberg Bay informal settlement. According to the Bitou Municipality, between 84 to 90 homes were destroyed at Bossies Gif.

A fire has destroyed many shacks in a Plettenberg Bay informal settlement

The municipality, on its Facebook page, says a total of 183 people were affected by the fiery disaster. This number includes 69 children. Many of these youngsters are currently writing their final academic exams, while others are preparing for their upcoming exams.

From the Bitou Municipality, “Humanitarian aid is being provided. we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all individuals and organisations who continue to lend a helping hand during such difficult times.”

Affected residents are preparing to rebuild their homes

A spokesperson for the Municipality says affected residents are currently actively clearing the area in preparation to rebuild their homes. At the same time, the Municipality has also begun work to prepare and distribute emergency building materials to help families begin reconstruction.

Emergency Relief

One of the organisations providing humanitarian support is Gift of the Givers. The organisation’s Southern Cape Co-ordinator, Mario Ferreira, says they are assisting affected residents. Yesterday, their staff were also handing out energy drinks to firefighters while conducting damage assessments.

GotG’s Southern Cape Co-ordinator, Mario Ferreira, ” Our thoughts are with the affected families.”

Ferreira says bystanders yesterday described the blaze as the biggest fire the Bossie Gif area has ever seen.

Without Power

Workers are also busy restoring the electricity to the area as the blaze damaged the electrical infrastructure. People in the community have been without power since yesterday afternoon as restoration efforts continue.

 

“The Bitou Municipality is working urgently to prepare and distribute emergency building materials to help families begin reconstruction.”