Some Usindiso building fire survivors want COJ to prioritise accommodation for those not yet relocated

JOHANNESBURG - Survivors of a building fire that claimed the lives of 77 people in Marshalltown have urged the City of Johannesburg to prioritise finding accommodation for those who have not been relocated.

The residents raised their frustrations during a meeting held with the General Industries Workers Union of South Africa (GIWUSA) outside the Usindiso building on Saturday.

Last year, at least 300 of the people who lived in the building were relocated to Denver, east of Johannesburg.

However, others say they have been left stranded and homeless in the inner city months later.

Emotions ran high at the mass meeting outside, as the fire victims recounted their living conditions since the fire.

While others have been moved to a temporary accommodation, which they have raised concerns about, others are still without a place to live.

One resident says this is an issue that needs immediate attention from the city.

"We have not been relocated to Denver, some are living emaxhoseni... look at the condition of that place. We need a proper place to stay."