Community support for fire victims

SEDGEFIELD NEWS - Ward 1 Councillor Levael Davis has applauded the people of Sedgefield for working together to help four families whose houses burned down on Monday 3 May.

Davis told Knysna-Plett Herald that nine people, including a 10-year-old boy, were left homeless when their wooden home structures in Smutsville informal area burned down.

"Four structures were destroyed in the fire including part of a house that looks like a hostel. We managed to put up the people in the Smuttsvile Hall," he said.

Davis said people from different backgrounds worked together to help in the aftermath of the disaster and the community leaders were instrumental in managing the process.

"We have been receiving donations from different people which include the Gift of the Givers, Lions, Sedgefield Christian Church and individuals who donated money and food to name a few," he said. "We worked as a team and we are hoping that by Friday 14 May the people will be settled in their homes."

Davis thanked all those who made donations. "I would like to thank all of our donors, small and large, and every organisation and individual who contributed to assist in making this tragic experience more bearable for our fire victims. I thank the municipality for speedily starting the delivery of housing kits," he said.

Victims of last weeks fire, from left, Roseline Jooste, Jacobus Lewis and Eric Jansen. Photo: Supplied

He also thanked the Smutsville Informal Area Forum for making sure that the donations reach the beneficiaries in a transparent manner.

"It is a great privilege for me to be a part of the generous Sedgefield community. This is the fourth fire in Smutsville since I've been councillor and our community have always stood together through these tough times. I appreciate them all," he said.

One of the the victims, Roseline Jooste, said she is grateful for the support she received from the community and the municipality.

"I lost everything in the fire, All my stuff burnt down, but the community and the municipality helped us with food and building material. We will be able to rebuild our houses again," she said.

Four structures were destroyed in the fire in Smutsville.

Jooste said she was not the only one who suffered a lot, as the other victims' belongings were also burnt in the fire.

"We were left with only the clothes that we are wearing, all nine of us," she said.

Knysna Municipality spokesperson Christopher Bezuidenhoudt said the fire services were alerted about the fire just after 21:00 on 3 May.

"Two vehicles from Sedgefield Fire Station, one from Knysna, and the standby officer were subsequently dispatched to attend to it. During the fire, four informal structures were destroyed, and one formal structure was damaged. A total of four families were displaced and are currently being accommodated at the community hall," he said.

People watch as four homes in Smutsville informal area burn down.

Bezuidenhoudt said the police, local neighbourhood watches, and the electricity department were also on scene to assist.

"No injuries were sustained and the cause is undetermined at this stage. Disaster Management has assisted fire victims with food parcels and our housing department is currently assisting them with building material," he said.

The fire could be seen from afar.