PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - For the third time in one month, residents of Qolweni have suffered devastating loss in a fire. The fire on Sunday 31 August saw about 40 dwellings destroyed and many people left homeless.

Bitou Municipality said some of the affected residents from the informal settlement have been relocated to the Bossiesgif Community Hall, where both verification and humanitarian support efforts are continuing.

A 19-year-old suspect was arrested and charged on 8 August after the second fire as police investigated an arson charge. The police have confirmed they are not investigating Sunday's fire.

The fire saw devastation and an explosion of an electrical box which reportedly could be heard kilometres away. 

There have been no reports about the cause of the fire or whether there were casualties. Residents scurried to save what possessions they could, throwing them over a fence onto the embankment of the N2. 

The fire started about 16:00 and by 18:30 it had been brought under control. The huge fire attracted many sightseers who stopped long the N2.

Need funds
A humanitarian NPO, The Dignity Fund, said it was in urgent need of funds to assist and called for help in providing bread, jam and butter for dinner and blankets, saying it will post the needs as they arise.

Contributions can be dropped off at the Native Roots Shelter, corner of Marine drive and Seawitch Avenue, Plettenberg Bay.

“The fire in Qolweni is huge. Many people are going to be displaced with many that will have lost everything. If you have anything spare, please drop off any clothing, shoes (all ages and sizes), bedding, and any other household items that may be of use," The Dignity Fund said.

Financial donations can be made to:

• The Dignity Fund Garden Route NPC
• Bank: Nedbank
• Account number: 1261595807
• Account type: Current
• Swift Code: NEDSZAJJ

Bitou Municipality said in a statement the fire broke out in Ward 3, Qolweni, shortly after 16:00 on Sunday.

Bitou Fire services responded immediately and, after the fire had been brought under control, were to conduct mop-up operations to ensure the area is safe and the fire fully extinguished.

40 dwellings

Preliminary estimates suggested that about 40 dwellings were affected," said the municipal statement. 

“However, the exact number will be confirmed following a thorough verification process... The municipality is working closely with relevant stakeholders to co-ordinate relief measures and ensure the dignity and safety of all affected individuals. A comprehensive report will be issued once full assessments have been completed. We thank the emergency teams and community members for their swift response and continued support.”

‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’