The City of Cape Town’s Disaster Risk Management Centre has begun registering residents affected by a fire that tore through Masiphumelele on Tuesday. The process is being carried out in partnership with the City’s Informal Settlements Management Branch to assess the full extent of the damage and identify those in need of assistance.
Disaster Risk Management spokesperson Charlotte Powell says key City services have been mobilised to support recovery efforts. “We’ve also activated the Solid Waste Department to clear the fire site so that rebuilding efforts can get underway,” Powell said. She added that relevant departments have been deployed to assess possible damage to water, sanitation, and electricity infrastructure.
Humanitarian organisations Gift of the Givers and the Living Hope NGO are currently on site, providing immediate relief to affected residents. “They are responding to the urgent humanitarian needs on the ground,” Powell confirmed.
She further noted that the City will submit a verified list of affected residents to SASSA, the Provincial Department of Social Development, and the National Department of Human Settlements to secure additional support.
Powell said members of the public who wish to assist can donate non-perishable food items, hygiene products, nappies, baby formula, and blankets at the Living Hope NGO in Capri.
Photo: Gift of the Givers
