Issued by: SA Communication Service
MARCONI BEAM FIRE: EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE RENDERED, WELFARE WILL NOT PROVIDE FUNDS FOR HOMES - MINISTER
Welfare and Population Development Minister Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi who last Thursday braved heavy downpours to visit the families at the Marconi Beam informal settlement, left destitute by the fire, wants to thank the public, the Milnerton Municipality and Radio 786 for assisting the affected communities in the crisis.
Last week, Minister Fraser-Moleketi, accompanied by ANC MP Mary Turok, held a five-hour long meeting with Marconi Beam community leaders, Northern Substructure Mayor Algene Ross and Town Clerk Peter Gerber, to dissuade residents of the informal settlement from illegally occupying houses in the nearby Joe Slovo Park show village under construction. Later she addressed a gathering of the victims and Marconi Beam community leaders who had assembled at a show village near the settlement.
Government made immediate intervention in providing relief aid. An amount of R430 per family was immediately made available by the Western Cape Department of Social Services Relief Fund to cover costs for blankets, food, a marquee and basic shelter. The Minister has refuted as incorrect a report by the Argus newspaper which said the Department of Welfare has committed itself to funds for homes in the area. It was also a misconception that the R430 was going directly to the families. This was channelled via the Milnerton Municipality in the form of relief assistance.
The Milnerton Municipality today reported that the situation at the Marconi Beam shack settlement was normalising, with food having been given to the victims of the fire on a daily basis since the disaster occurred. Town Clerk Peter Gerber has reported that residents were rebuilding their shacks. He will be visiting the area on a daily basis and reporting progress to the Ministry for Welfare.
Issued: Brian Sokutu, Ministry Press Secretary Telephone: (021) 454-1221
14 October 1996