More than 208 shacks destroyed in Masinenge fire in KZN

More than 208 informal dwellings were destroyed in the Masinenge settlement located on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast, according to government officials. The cause of the fire remains unknown at this time. KwaZulu-Natal's Transport and Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma announced the emergency response and pledged to expedite the supply of building materials to those impacted.

Duma collaborated with the Human Settlements Minister, Thembi Simelane, and the mayor of the Ray Nkonyeni Local Municipality, Zodwa Mzindle, to address the aftermath of the incident. He cautioned residents and drivers about the hazardous dry, windy, and hot conditions, which can lead to the rapid spread of fires. Duma advised motorists to halt their vehicles if they come across uncontrolled fires on major roads, rather than attempting to navigate through them.

A team, headed by the head of the KZN Human Settlements Department, Max Mbili, is collaborating with the national department to hasten the delivery of building materials to the affected residents. Discussions with Mzindle highlighted the urgency of prioritizing legitimate residents affected by the fire. Masinenge has a history of recurrent fires, leading to previous government interventions.

The Masinenge Slums Clearance Housing Project has allocated building materials as a temporary solution while over 882 permanent houses are under construction. As a result, more than 586 residents have been relocated to double-storey homes. Over 399 title deeds have been distributed to residents, alongside Deputy Human Settlements Minister Tandi Mahambehlala.

Duma cautioned residents against renting out their houses and returning to the informal settlement, emphasizing that the area remains susceptible to fires and natural disasters, including floods.