PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - More than two weeks after the disastrous fires that left a trail of destruction through Plettenberg Bay, authorities are still concerned about certain areas.
Bitou municipal spokesperson Howard Swartz said that while the fires are contained, the biggest concern the Kransbos area outside the coastal holiday town. “There are still smouldering areas in Kransbos. Most of these are in valleys, so it is inaccessible to fire teams. The area is, however, being monitored day and night,” Swartz said.
He added that this particular concern is being dealt with by MTO as local fire crews are busy with humanitarian work.
“The fire department is working on helping those affected by the fires.”
He added that the disaster relief centre, which had been operating from the old Edgars at the Market Square shopping centre, closed its doors on Wednesday, June 21, and would be “transferred” to the municipality to run. The centre was run by various role players and volunteers.
“They have done a fantastic job, but cannot run the centre indefinitely. That is why the municipality has now stepped in to assist.”
While this transition is taking place, Bitou head of strategic services David Friedman has stepped in as interim disaster relief manager.
All donations, which would have gone to the centre, now have to go to the Plettenberg Bay Airport. For details, contact Friedman on 044-504-3101.
Banking details for Plettenberg Bay relief:
Bank Name: Nedbank
Account Name: Emergency Fund
Account No: 114 793 1046
Branch Code: Universal Branch
Swift Code: NEDSZAJJ
Swartz said that the municipality is also working with trauma counsellors to assist those affected by the fires.
The next step, he said, is to assess the damage. “We are starting with that process now,” adding that door-to-door visits have been done and the various damaged properties have been logged. “We are now approaching the victims to establish exactly what has been lost or damaged. After we have done this we will have a clearer picture of what the extent of the damage is.”
It is estimated that about 30 homes and other buildings were destroyed in the fires that swept through the town from June 7. About 1 000 people fled their homes as a precautionary measure. In total, about 21 500 hectares had burnt along the Garden Route over the past two weeks.
ARTICLE: YOLANDÉ STANDER
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