GEORGE NEWS - It has been a long wait for the Zone 8 residents who lost their homes in a fire three months ago, but they can now start rebuilding their homes.
On Friday 5 January, there was great excitement among residents as National Human Settlements Department representative Sanjay Arjun and his team, together with George Municipality members, delivered the new building materials.
The fire swept the informal settlement on 6 September 2023, leaving 33 dwellings in ruins.
"The victims have been waiting patiently for three months, praying for their call for help to be answered", said Ward 12 Councillor Eric Mdaka at the handover.
National Human Settlements Development representative Sanjay Arjun (middle) watches as Ward 12 block committee member Nomvuyiseko Sopaza (with her back to the camera) checks the list of victims' names.
Mdaka thanked the national government for providing the building materials, singling out Arjun, who was the first departmental official to attend to the matter.
He also extended great thanks to the local ward committee and block committee for their hard work.
Churches, local stores, community structures and individuals made a big difference by contributing food, shelter, counselling, goods and prayers for the fire victims.
Deputy Minister of International Relations Alvin Botes and the Ambassador of the Republic of China, Mr Chan, together with the ANC office bought new school uniforms, stationery and food parcels for the affected families. George Municipality offered to assist with the erection of structures for those who cannot build themselves.
The fire victims collecting their building material on Friday morning.
"I salute the fire victims for their patience," Mdaka said. "It was not an easy time at all."
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