The team that has been meeting with the City with regard to upgrading/improving the fire/starter kits has shared many ideas of how we would like to respond prior to and following a fire.
This weekend marked the ‘launch’ of our ideas into action. On Saturday at 2pm people who were attending the forum got word that there was a fire at Cemetery Village. Those from Cemetery village quickly left the meeting. Vuyani (one of the members of the team meeting with the city) called me. We discussed the situation and it was agreed that he leave the meeting and go
and assess the situation. On arrival at the scene he found 6 shacks that had been burnt. Immediately we decided to contact the Principle Field Officer PFO of that area (who has also been part of our meetings).
Vuyani did not have enough airtime and asked if I could call Gerald. I did and he agreed to send 6 starter packs this morning. I gave him Vuyani’s contact details and this morning city officials contacted Vuyani and delivered the 6 starter packs.
Tomorrow Melvyn, Vuyani and two Ikhayalami staff members will go onto site to see if people need additional material. According to Vuyani only three families are short with material. They will assess and then we will see how what additional support is needed.
We have succeeded in building up a working relationship with the PFO’s and this has and ought to in future stand us in good stead. Well done Vuyani!!!