Residents of Nompumelelo were left picking through the ashes after a fire ravaged 27 shacks on Monday.
The fire left only charred metal sheets and ashes, and many families are destitute.
On Wednesday, a group of residents were salvaging what they could in the hope of rebuilding.
Children have been left without school uniforms and shoes, as people were unable to rescue their belongings when the fire broke out.
BCM spokesperson Samkelo Ngwenya said they still investigating the cause of the fire, and urged communities to be vigilant in winter and not to leave candles, heaters or paraffin lamps unattended.
Desperate residents have been offered space in the community hall for shelter while others have temporarily moved in with relatives.
Sandile Sipayile, his two daughters and his wife, Mandisa, are now homeless after their four-bedroom shack was destroyed.
“I was not home when the fire broke out. My wife and children were only able to save a few clothes and the rest went up in flames.”
His daughters attend Floradale Primary and Sakhikamva High schools.
“They do not even have uniforms or shoes but they were able to go to school in the clothes they saved.”
Sipayile said he lost vital documents which included IDs and birth certificates.
A home affairs truck was inside the community hall assisting residents with document applications.
Sipayile said an option to send his children to Mooiplaas outside East London was not ideal as this would require transport which he could not afford.
Thembakazi Mancoba said she was devastated about losing her home.
“I live with my four children. They lost their books and uniforms, and all my furniture is gone.
“I was not able to rescue anything. My children could not even go to school today [Wednesday] because they were left with only the clothes on their backs,” she said.
Mancoba said she did not know how or when her children would be able to go back to school.
“I would welcome any clothing donations or anything that could assist me,” she said.
She has two sons, aged 23 and 18, and daughters aged 14 and eight.
Elderly Phumelele Maliwa said she had buried her husband on July 15 and now had lost her home. This was too much for her, she said.
“I have moved in with my brother. It has been difficult coping with both losses.”
Ngwenya said there had been no reports of fatalities or injuries.
“Ward 15 councillor Nwabisa Mcwabeni has arranged for the displaced families to be accommodated at the Nompumelelo Community Hall while processes to pick up the pieces are unfolding.”
Ngwenya said the metro urged people to be careful by:
- Extinguishing candles, stoves and heaters before leaving a room or going to sleep;
- Keeping candles and paraffin lamps out of the reach of children;
- Keeping candles and paraffin lamps in the centre of the table, away from curtains, papers and other combustible items; and
- Avoiding illegal electrical connections.
If you spot a fire, immediately contact the fire and rescue services for the entire Buffalo City area on 043-705-9000.
DispatchLIVE
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