170 homes destroyed in Tsepe Tsepe fire

Some Khayelitsha families remain homeless after a fire in the Tsepe Tsepe informal settlement destroyed over 170 structures. 

About 370 people have been affected by the weekend blaze.

The city’s Human Settlements department has approached the national office for assistance with rebuilding efforts.

Disaster risk management spokesperson Charlotte Powel said local community and religious leaders are helping to arrange interim housing.

"Some residents have already started rebuilding their structures. Others are staying with friends and family in the immediate vicinity. Eskom and the city’s water and sanitation department have been activated to attend to infrastructure damage and restore electricity and water supply, as well as ablution facilities," said Powel.