Promoting fire safety among shack residents

RESIDENTS of New Rest in Ward 6, an informal settlement with many shacks, were given a lesson in preventing the spread of fires on their properties by the Ndlambe fire department last Thursday.

As an initiative of Stenden South Africa, the disaster management students conducted door-to-door surveys to assess the vulnerability of the residents of the area. Once compiled their findings will be handed in to local government.

FOR SAFER COMMUNITIES: Stenden South Africa disaster management students recently conducted a risk assessment of the New Rest informal settlement in conjunction with residents and the Ndlambe fire department Picture: ROB KNOWLES
FOR SAFER COMMUNITIES: Stenden South Africa disaster management students recently conducted a risk assessment of the New Rest informal settlement in conjunction with residents and the Ndlambe fire department Picture: ROB KNOWLES

“It is part of the student’s practical work to do risk assessment,” said Stenden’s practical instructor Pieter Smit.

The structure of their homes and the land which it has been built on make the area prone to floods and fires. With 330 homes in the area newly-appointed ward councillor Mkhululi Raco said he was worried about the people in his ward.

“Many houses in this area are made from mud. Therefore, when it rains the houses fall,” he said.

Raco said he would ensure continued collaboration between Stenden South Africa, Ndlambe fire department and his ward in the hope of bettering the lives of the community.

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