Cape Town - More than a hundred people have died in nearly 2000 shack fires in the City of Cape Town so far this year, the city's communications division said on Tuesday.
The total number of shacks destroyed was estimated at over 8000, leaving some 28 000 people destitute.
The total cost of providing relief for fires in informal settlements for the year would be over R13m, a figure which excluded the cost of actually fighting the fires.
The relief given after a recent blaze at the Doornbach informal settlement alone amounted to R2.1m.
This included the cost of a rebuilding starter kit, two meals per person per day, one blanket for every individual and a special social grant from the provincial government.
City fire chief Piet Smith said the city had launched an awareness campaign to alert residents and visitors to the dangers of fires.
Fire and rescue services, and disaster management staff had been distributing safety pamphlets at informal settlements.
Fire engines have been going to the settlements to familiarise crews with the areas and to meet inhabitants to educate them on fire safety. - News24
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