Human Settlements Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi says they have lobbied the private sector to come on board to help with permanent accommodation for families that have been affected by the fire in central Johannesburg.
Kubayi said they have been working with provincial authorities on the matter.
It is in this regard they have roped in the private sector to help with permanent houses for the victims of the fire.
This was an ongoing process. The department will have to get to each and very person that has been left stranded after the fire that gutted the building in Albert street, claiming 74 lives, including seven children.
Kubayi said they will do everything they can to help the families.
“The MEC for Human Settlements has been on site. We have three buildings that we have identified that will house the families, which is for 72 hours. Within that 72 hours we will have to assess them ... if they qualify to be provided for in terms of alternative accommodation.
“We have rallied and lobbied the private sector, which has come on board to assist us in terms of the work that we are doing,” said Kubayi.
She said they will provide permanent residence to those who will be given places to rent.
“The option here is for us to do the rental space for citizens. We do understand that some residents are refusing to move to temporary shelters so that they can be verified, because some of them appear to be non-South Africans and they are fearing that in the verification (process) they will be deported. This is a very complex matter that we are dealing with as Human Settlements,” said Kubayi.
The national government has been deploying members of the Cabinet in its efforts to help the families.
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