Fire hydrants functioning during Isipingo fire - eThekwini
eThekwini Municipality has rubbished claims its teams struggled with fire hydrants when they were fighting the inferno that destroyed homes in Isipingo, south of Durban.
An IFP MPL has alleged the hydrants were dysfunctional and hampered the firefighting efforts at the Dakota informal settlement on Saturday.
More than 300 dwellings were razed to the ground, leaving hundreds destitute.
READ: DA: Dakota fire shows desperate need for housing
It's alleged the fire was sparked by a stove that was left on.
The city's Lindiwe Khuzwayo says they're fast-tracking relief to affected residents.
She says families will receive building materials this week.
"The municipality is working with other spheres of government, business as well as humanitarian organisations to provide additional support."
ALSO READ: Heartache after Isipingo shack fire
"SASSA and Home Affairs officials are on site assisting with documentation lost in the fire. Healthcare and psycho-social services are provided to residents. Learners are being assisted with school uniforms by various stakeholders.
"Municipal fire-fighting teams worked for hours to extinguish the blaze on Saturday night. Despite their efforts being hampered by congestion in the settlement, they managed to save about 50 dwellings. Reports that the teams struggled with fire hydrants not having water are misleading and untrue."
