MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma, together with the Chairperson of the Economic Development and Planning Committee Councillor Thembo Ntuli, visited the Kenville Informal Settlement to assess progress of rebuilding after it was ravaged by fire.

ABOUT 400 families from the Kenville Informal Settlement, who were left homeless after their structures were destroyed by fire two weeks ago, are now rebuilding their homes. This comes after the three spheres of government facilitated the immediate relief and the delivery of building material packs to those affected by the fire. The fire that broke out in the middle of the night claimed the life of a pregnant woman and left many destitute. Small businesses operating within the
informal settlement suffered the total loss of their stock and equipment during the fire. 

MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma, together with the Chairperson of the Economic Development and Planning Committee Councillor Thembo Ntuli, visited the informal settlement recently to assess progress of the reconstruction underway. They were pleased with the progress made thus far during their oversight visit. Addressing the Kenville community, MEC Duma said the long-term plan is to ensure that all families are relocated to suitable land where government can build decent housing. He is consulting with all stakeholders, including traditional leaders, to find suitable land. 

Community representative Ntombozuko Daniso, whose home was also burnt down, said they are grateful to government for acting swiftly to provide relief. She said the morning after the fire, relief interventions were already on site. “We received three meals a day as well as blankets and mattresses. Learners were provided with school uniforms. We admired the spirit of Ubuntu and the togetherness displayed by the Kenville community as we assisted each other to reconstruct
structures after receiving building material packs,” she said. Most of the residents have moved back into their homes after rebuilding. The temporary shelter will be dismantled once the City is assured that everyone is integrated back to the newly constructed dwellings.