Clairwood resident hoping for ‘better life’ after devastating fire
Community members left homeless by a fire that ripped through an informal settlement in Clairwood say this was the worst fire disaster they've experienced.
More than 200 homes were gutted in Friday's blaze, thought to have been caused by an electrical fault or a fuel like paraffin.
The cause is still being investigated.
ALSO READ: KZN govt steps into to help Clairwood fire victims
The premier, who went to the area on Monday to assess the damage, says emergency relief's being rolled out to all those affected.
Resident Khehla Phungula says they're thankful for the assistance.
"I was coming from the toilet headed to the house, and in less than 5 minutes, I saw smoke and thought to myself it’s normally what we burn in the evening, but when I heard people screaming, that's when I stepped outside and realised it’s the intensity of the place. Then we tried to fight the inferno with buckets filled with water.
"We did all we could to stop the fire from spreading, but it was beyond us."
Another resident, Siyabonga Mhlongo, says he is hoping to get back on his feet soon.
"I would be happy if we were moved to a better place. Maybe life will be better. As you see the state of this place, even the toilets, it’s not conducive for people to live in.
"Maybe where we are going, the surroundings will have a huge difference. I'm having mixed emotions because we lost everything, but I'm hoping things will be better."
MORE ON ECR
