PMB shack dwellers affected by fire threaten to occupy rental units

PMB shack dwellers affected by fire threaten to occupy rental units

Security is being tightened at the Jika Joe Community Residential Units in Pietermaritzburg.

jika joe fire
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Officials say some residents of the area's informal settlement who were affected by last week's fire have threatened to invade and occupy the rental units.


Last Wednesday's blaze destroyed over 500 shacks and left hundreds of people destitute.


Msunduzi Municipality says those affected have been put up in temporary accommodation.


READ: Man found dead after Dundee home fire, 3 arrested


Spokesperson for the KZN Human Settlement Department's Mbulelo Baloyi says the units they're threatening to occupy are still under construction.


"The fires at Jika Joe Informal Settlements have been taking place for quite some time. 


"There was one last year December, every time there's a fire there the department does assist in terms of building material such as corrugated iron for them to rebuild their shacks. 


"So them threatening to occupy these rental units, we don't find it acceptable."


ALSO READ: Elderly farmer recovering following farm fire

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