A blaze that has swept through Ocean View in recent days has left at least 17 families at the area’s Rasta Camp settlement displaced, although there has been some contention over the destroyed structures.
“Some of the structures were set up on a national park which is not suitable for living,” says the ward councillor, Alderman Felicity Purchase, who further notes that of the 20 structures that burned down only 17 are habitable. The remaining three are situated on land owned by SanParks.
Purchase adds that residents have been reluctant to move from the area.
While the affected remain in dire need of clothing and other possessions, they have been provided temporary shelter at the Ocean View Community Centre
“We are providing them with two meals a day and shelter. Gift of Givers has also donated food supplies,” says Purchase.
The City of Cape Town has provided displaced people with starter kits to assist them to set up new structures. Members of the Ocean View community have also contributed in the provision of supplies.
“The community has been very generous,” Purchase notes.
Children from the affected families are seeking trauma counselling at The Ocean View Trauma Counselling Centre.
“Fires always have a devastating effect on children, but the Centre can cope with dealing with these children.”
The cause of the fire is not known at this stage, but there are suggestions of arson.
Other affected areas include Scarborough and Red Hill.
The City will be meeting with the affected on Thursday to discuss possible relocation. VOC (Nailah Cornelissen)