Fires are a constant threat for people living in dilapidated buildings without electricity
People who live in “dark buildings” in inner-city Johannesburg, similar to the one at 80 Albert Street, in which at least 77 people died in the inferno last week, have told GroundUp that they fear for their lives. The death toll from the fire may still rise.
“I am lucky to be alive. But I may not say the same next time, because the buildings we live in are not safe,” said Ndlovu. John Nkomo, who also moved from EmaXhoseni three years ago to the same building Ndlovu stays in, said: “Even if we wanted to leave, where would we go because we cannot afford the high rents?”Read: Ramaphosa urges enforcement of laws over ‘hijacked’ buildings
Survivors of inferno move to similar buildings Some survivors of the Albert Street fire have refused to move to shelters and have opted to stay in informal settlements and other dark buildings nearby. Sanelo Mbatha, also a survivor of the 80 Albert Street fire, agreed. “We moved to that building after being affected by the fire at EmaXhoseni, but the government did nothing for us. Why should we trust them this time?” he asked.Government response Gauteng MEC for social development, Mbali Hlophe, said some victims of the fire have been taken to temporary shelters where they have access to warm meals, counseling, baths and home facilities, while some had remained to search for their loved ones.
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