KZN to rebuild homes destroyed by fire

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KwaZulu-Natal’s Transport and Human Settlements MEC, Siboniso Duma, has announced plans to rebuild houses destroyed by a massive fire in the Sea Cow Lake area in Durban over the weekend.

The fire destroyed over 230 dwellings, leaving over 400 families homeless in the Kenville informal settlement. One woman died in the fire, the cause of which is still under investigation.

Duma says the department will provide temporary relief to displaced residents.

“We’ve offered blankets and food to ensure they are okay. Human settlements will begin the rebuilding process tomorrow. We have already provided tents, marquees, and ablution facilities in collaboration with the Metro.”

Meanwhile, Zululand District Municipality Mayor Mkhonyovu Khumalo has called for the arrest of those responsible for fires that damaged property in various parts of KwaZulu-Natal.

Since last week, at least 14 people, including six firefighters, have died due to runaway fires in the province.

Khumalo says, “No fire starts on its own; hunters are to blame as well. People who start these fires must be reported to traditional leaders. When people die in a fire, it should be regarded as a crime. If thoroughly investigated, those found responsible should be charged with culpable homicide. In winter, everything is dry, and there is a shortage of water, making it difficult to fight the blaze.”

KZN Fires | Deadly KZN veld fires leave 14 dead: