Tau to visit Kya Sands displaced families

Tau would visit the area to determine how the city could assist the displaced residents, spokesman Nthatisi Modingoane said in a statement.

 

Tau would be accompanied by Housing MMC Dan Bovu, Health & Social Development MMC Nonceba Molwele and Environment, Infrastructure & Services MMC Matshidiso Mfikoe.

 

The fire swept through the informal settlement on Thursday afternoon, razing over 500 shacks and leaving around 2000 people homeless. Eight people were treated on the scene by paramedics for smoke inhalation.

 

The fire was extinguished after 7pm.

 

Johannesburg emergency services spokeswoman Nana Radebe said no fatalities were reported.

 

"We are still working on the figures. Today [Friday] we will continue with lists where people must fill in their names so we can determine exactly how many people were affected."

 

The dozens of displaced people, whose homes were destroyed in the fire that erupted on Thursday, took shelter at a church overnight.

 

"The Judah Africa Church in Kya Sands accommodated many people but some went to stay with their relatives," said Radebe.

 

"Church volunteers and emergency services personnel cooked for them and blankets were handed to them. But we are still asking people to donate blankets by calling 011-286-6009."

 

 

(File photo: Gallo Images)