Erongo Governor Neville Andre Itope has suggested the introduction and provision of fireball extinguishers to shack owners, in order to be able to quickly extinguish fires when it breaks out.

Itope who was speaking on Friday during a site visit to fire victims whose shacks burnt to the ground in Swakopmund, expressed concern with the rate at which shack fires are destructing people’s livelihoods both in Swakopmund and Walvis Bay.

The fire which started in one of nine shacks at a residence in the Oletweni residential area at around 13h30 on Monday, destroyed all nine shacks including personal properties and national documents, before spreading to a neighbouring residence where another shack also caught fire and was burned to the ground.

“What is unfortunate is that the fire keeps affecting people who are already struggling with accommodation and trying to build their homes from scratch. These areas are clearly fire prone as there are many shacks. The municipality should then perhaps look into providing those fire balls to these people so that when the fire brigade is not available or is delayed, then the fire extinguishing balls will be able to come in as first aid,” Itope suggested.

While sympathising with the fire victims, the governor also applauded the Swakopmund Municipality and other stakeholders for the swift response in assisting the victims with mattresses and food items.

The Namibia Red Cross Society provided two tents for the 13 fire victims, with more still being received by the municipality.

Swakopmund Mayor Dina Namubes took note of the suggestion of fire balls, saying the municipality will put it into consideration.

“With regards to firefighting training, we do already have that on the table as an agenda point and it is definitely in the works. This training and awareness initiative comes as a result of the fires which occurred both last year and this year,” she said.

The mayor emphasised that the municipality continues to work hard to provide affordable, decent housing for all residents at the town.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency