Fiery death of four toddlers a calamity

27 May 2015

The ANC Western Cape is shocked and saddened by the death of four toddlers in a fatal fire Monday night that destroyed four family structures in Site B, Khayelitsha (see Cape Argus report).

ANC Western Cape social development spokesperson in the legislature Maurencia Gillion says:

“All must stop blaming each other and we should jointly look at serious matters that bring on such catastrophes. These include the status of the upgrading of informal settlements, the control of the erection of structures - building and planning permissions included, alternative building material/structures and primary fire prevention or firefighting capabilities in these high risk areas. Paramount to all is the rollout of social housing and the long awaited local housing or human settlements plan to address the plight of the poor living under these conditions.

“Support by the municipality (Cape Town) and the Western Cape provincial government to the bereaved is now a priority. The ANC is extremely concerned by the fact that hundreds of people die every year in fires ravaging informal settlements, yet these people in those areas are not a priority. They have to be contented with inferior services. Poor people cannot be treated like third class citizens. They must be given the attention and assistance needed to overcome their dire situations.”

Statement issued by Maurencia Gillion, ANC Western Cape social development spokesperson in the legislature, May 27 2015