A devastating fire tore through the Westlake informal settlement in Cape Town late on Thursday night, leaving several families homeless and without basic necessities.
The blaze reportedly broke out around 23:20 with firefighters responding swiftly to contain the flames. Despite their efforts, between 12 and 20 shacks were destroyed, displacing numerous residents.
Ward 71 Councillor Carolynne Franklin confirmed the extent of the destruction and has issued an urgent call for public assistance, noting that the affected families have lost all their possessions.
Read the full version of the “Devastating fire rips through Westlake informal settlement“ article.
WESTLAKE INFORMAL SETTLEMENT FIRE
“These families now have nothing – no clothes, no food, no shelter. They need our help now more than ever,” said Franklin.
Residents are being asked to donate essential items, including:
- Blankets and clothing for adults and children
- Non-perishable food: tins, rice, pasta, maize meal, oil, long-life milk
- Basic groceries: potatoes, onions, tomatoes, salt, brown onion soup, stock cubes
- Protein sources: peanut butter, jam, frozen chicken
- Fresh bread and bottled water
- Toiletries and baby items: nappies, formula, wet wipes (for two toddlers)
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