53 Temporary units handed over to Wupperthal residents following fire | Western Cape Government

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53 Temporary units handed over to Wupperthal residents following fire

23 July 2019

Yesterday, Western Cape Human Settlements Minister, Tertuis Simmers, handed over 53 Temporary Residential Units (TRA’s) to Wupperthal residents, following a devastating fire in December in this Cederberg town.

The tragic fire took the life of 90 year old Johanna Sofia Valentyn, who passed away in hospital and in the process destroyed 53 homes, leaving at least 200 people destitute. In addition, the school hostel, clinic, town hall and the historic Moravian Mission Station were also affected.

Minister Simmers said: “No one deserves to experience such a tragedy. I would like to once again extend my sincere condolences to the families, friends and entire community of Wupperthal on the passing of Johanna Sofia Valentyn, who succumbed to her burn wounds. I was also sad to learn that 80 year old Susan Koetie, who was going to be a beneficiary was buried over the weekend.”

The project, which commenced at the end of April 2019, had a budget allocation of just under R6,7 million.

Said Simmers: “I commend all roleplayers, particularly the Moravian Church for their hands-on approach in assisting with this project, particularly for agreeing to implement the electrical reticulation to the units and for providing the pipes and labour to fix and backfill the water channel.

The community has shown its resilience and with the assistance of the Moravian Church has committed itself, to continue its rebuilding process, on the back of the assistance provided by this caring Western Cape Government.

As the Western Cape Government, we remain committed to accelerate human settlement delivery, while promoting social inclusion through the development of integrated, resilient and sustainable human settlements in an open society.”

Media Enquiries: 

Marcellino Martin
Spokesperson for Minister Tertuis Simmers
Tel: 021 483 3397
Cell: 082 721 3362
Email: Marcellino.martin@westerncape.gov.za