Two families were displaced by a major fire that broke out at Oude Molen Eco Village in Pinelands last Friday.
Jermaine Carelse, spokesperson for the City of Cape Town’s fire and rescue services, said they had responded at around 6.30am and the fire had been extinguished at 8.30am.
“A total of 22 firefighters were on scene as well as four fire engines and a rescue vehicle were dispatched to the incident,” he said.
Mr Carelse said a few wendy houses as well as a prefabricated structure had been destroyed in the fire.
Hudson McComb, chairperson of the Oude Molen Eco Village Tenants’ Association, said a large prefabricated structure and some smaller structures had burnt down.
“The prefabricated structure was occupied by the two business enterprises, where on one half it included the Eden resort which offered a variety of fresh organic vegetables, free-range eggs and aquaponics while the other half offered financial support services, a small takeaway shop and fire-wood supply to local businesses and private customers,” he said.
One family of three and another family of six had been displaced.
“The damage of the two business enterprises in the prefabricated structures were a significant loss to the eco village but we are extremely thankful that nobody was injured or hurt,” he said.
Mr McComb paid tribute to the tenants of the village, the neighbouring Pinelands community and residents from other communities for supporting the fire victims with food, clothing, furniture and bedding.
The families are staying in temporary premises at the Oude Molen Eco Village. However, a longer-term solution is needed for them.
Jandré Bakker, spokesperson for the provincial Department of Transport and Public Works(DTPW) said the displacement of the two families and the destruction of state-owned property was most unfortunate and the DTPW had immediately identified and placed the families in alternative accommodation.
Mr Carelse said there were no injuries and the cause of the fire was still unknown.
If anyone would like to assist the families, call Mr McComb at 083 448 1829 or email prodevservices@oudemolenecovillage.co.za or call Janice Joseph at 079 840 0112.
