Cape Town - Mopping up operations continue in Grabouw as the community rebuilds following the devastating fire which left 206 people displaced.
The fire which razed the Elgin Fruit Juices plant on Friday afternoon and spread to a transport service depot and neighbouring informal settlement, destroyed approximately fifty informal structures.
Humanitarian organisation Gift of the Givers responded to the affected community with relief efforts on Monday after initial assessments were done in the area.
Gift of the Givers project manager, Ali Sablay, said joint efforts to bring relief brought the organisation together with municipal roleplayers.
“They have been very appreciative of our support since the fire started. We have been providing the affected victims with hot meals.
“Yesterday, we delivered our full humanitarian package in terms of food parcels, blankets, mattresses, bay care packs, nappies and hygiene items,” said Sablay.
According to Sablay they were informed that the municipality was 30 building kits short for the affected families and Gift of the Givers were able to supply the remainder of the building kits.
“They only had building kits for 44 families. They were 30 short. Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, our chairman and founder has agreed to supply them with it. The recipients were very happy,” said Sablay.
The Theewaterskloof Municipality confirmed that the fire broke out at about 2pm and the cause is yet to be determined.
Executive mayor of Theewaterskloof, Karel Papier, said they are very grateful for the efforts by the Gift of the Givers.
The municipality had also offered emergency shelter at community halls for fire victims to shelter from inclement weather experienced over the weekend, however some had opted to remain at the charred sites to protect their belongings, a municipality spokesperson said.
“The municipality has involved the local community structures, to assist with the logistical arrangements and identify the affected fire victims…Eskom, which is the electricity supply authority for the Grabouw area, is on-site and is busy with repairs and restoration.
“Theewaterskloof Municipality is overwhelmed by the heart-warming support and donations received from the local churches, local businesses and the community…The Department of Home Affairs has been activated to assist with identity documents that were destroyed during the inferno as well as the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) to provide social relief of distress. The cause of the fire remains unconfirmed, and the SAPS will investigate the incident,” a statement by Theewaterskloof Municipality read.
Cape Times