Update
PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - The community has rallied around a large group of Qolweni residents who were left destitute after tragedy struck during the early hours of Saturday morning, 29 May.
A fire ripped through the community at around 03:00, destroying about 80 informal homes in its path, claiming one life and leaving families, including some 40 children, destitute.
Only days before, a fire had destroyed more than 10 informal homes and claimed two lives.
Bitou Human Settlements Manager Ketsi Zenzile confirmed that firefighters, with the assistance of volunteers, managed to bring the fire under control, but not without damage.
"It left 81 households stranded and one person dead," Zenzile said. She added that some affected families were moved into the vacant structures at the Transitional Residential Area (TRA) in Bossiesgif while others opted to stay with families and friends.
"This is a temporary measure to deal with the situation until material can be provided. This will allow for the beneficiaries to rebuild their houses."
The Bitou Municipality provided humani-tarian relief such as cooked meals, food parcels, mattresses, blankets and other items, but locals came together to ensure that each victim was cared for.
More than 80 Qolweni families lost everything in the fire.
The affected children, aged between 18 months and 15 years, were taken to the Native Routes shelter in Marine Way where they were checked out by local doctor Jade Furness before being reunited with their families. The Wittedrift Hall was also kitted out to receive fire victims.
Several drop-off points were quickly established for those who wanted to donate items to assist the destitute residents. Several local businesses also came on board to donate food and other items. Some residents started a drive to supply the school-going children with uniforms as they lost these in the fires too.
Bitou Director of Community Services Thozamile Sompani said it is believed that the fire was started by accident.
He indicated that the swift action by Bitou disaster management and all emergency units averted an even bigger disaster. "Members of the community should also be applauded for their efforts," he said.
The Plettenberg Bay community rallied around Qolweni fire victims who lost everything when a fire ripped through the area on Saturday 29 May.
The Plettenberg Bay community rallied round to supply essentials to Qolweni fire victims.
The Wittedrift Hall was set up to receive fire victims following a blaze that ripped through Qolweni in Plettenberg Bay on Saturday 29 May.
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