Bossiesgif and Smutsville fires aftermath

PETTENBERG BAY AND SEDGEFIELD NEWS - Relief operations were continuing unabated as volunteer groups, including the Dignity Fund and Gift of the Givers, provided relief to the more than 500 people affected in two fires early on Monday morning, 4 August.

In the Bossiesgif fire, 165 houses were burnt down affecting between 400 and 500 people. In Smutsville, five houses were burnt down and another five damaged in a fire, leaving 15 people homeless.

Mario Ferreira of Gift of the Givers said the organisation provided essential items such as blankets, mattresses, food parcels, hygiene packs, toiletries and nappies. Similar items were supplied to the destitute residents of Bossiesgif.

In both Sedgefied and Plettenberg Bay there was intense community involvement, said Ferreira.

Dignity Fund
In Plettenberg Bay, Gift of the Givers, in conjunction with Shoprite Checkers, organised soup kitchens for two days.

Cindy Truyens, responsible for housing and food providision by the Dignity Fund, said there was overwhelming community support to bring relief to those affected by the fire.

The Western Cape Education Department, social services, Garden Route District Municipality and Bitou Municipality actively managed relief measures.

Temporary shelters, food and clothing have been provided for all of the people who have been affected.

Support going forward
“The people of Plettenberg Bay have shown extreme generosity with the food, to the point where ... we are potentially verging on wastage," said Truyens.

"We appeal to people to communicate with us to prevent his happening."She said that they will have to support and sustain these families for at least the next two weeks. Co-ordination of support efforts is therefore needed. Truyens can be contacted on 079 474 6380.

The aftermath of the Bossiesgif fire.