KZN's Acting Premier Ravi Pillay today visited the victims of the shack fire that broke out last night at the Jika Joe informal settlement in Pietermaritzburg. The blaze left a trail of destruction in its path.

Pillay visited the scene of yesterday's fire which destroyed 97 shacks and affected 164 people. The Acting Premier was accompanied by Msunduzi Mayor Mzimkhulu Thebolla and senior officials from KZN Cogta.

Speaking at the scene, Pillay expressed his sadness at this unfortunate incident which has come at a time when KZN is still recovering from the inclement weather conditions that devastated the province in October and November.

“We are saddened by what we see before us today and we feel for the families that had to go through the traumatic experience of losing their belongings. We are thankful to the Almighty that there were no injuries or deaths in this fire," said Pillay.

Those who have been affected by the incident have been moved into a temporary shelter at one of the community halls close to the area.

"We are thankful for the ongoing support that is coming from the non-governmental sector as we continue to provide interim relief to the affected people,” said Pillay.

The Acting Premier has also deployed the Acting Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC Peggy Nkonyeni to coordinate the provision of relief that will be provided by the relevant provincial departments.

Issued by the Provincial Government Communication. For more information contact: Lennox Mabaso on 0828842403 or Bheki Mbanjwa 060 968 2417

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