The ratepayers of Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality are generously providing relief to approximately 40 people from Walmer Gqebera after a devastating fire engulfed more than 20 shacks in Makaezana Street on Sunday morning.
The destitute are receiving mattresses, blankets, food parcels and other necessities from the municipality’s Disaster Management Unit and are being accommodated at two nearby churches.
The fire department was informed at 11:50 of the fire.
When the first vehicle arrived at the scene at 12:00 six informal dwellings were alight and since the fire was spreading rapidly at 12:07 more vehicles and staff were requested to deal with the inferno.
The South African Police Services were also called for assistance as members of the public allegedly attacked a person accused of causing the fire.
At 12:18 the 16 firemen and women deployed at the scene managed to bring the fire under control.
The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality will provide as much assistance as possible to those affected by the fire.
