Nearly 500 displaced after devastating Quarry Road fire as KZN government praises rapid emergency response
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Swift action by emergency and disaster response teams in eThekwini has been credited with saving lives and stabilising a crisis after a devastating fire tore through the Quarry Road informal settlement, leaving hundreds displaced.
KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, confirmed that 477 people including 299 children, were affected when approximately 130 shacks were destroyed in the blaze on Friday.
The fire is alleged to have started in a shack rented by a foreign national who is currently unaccounted for.
Duma noted that residents who contacted his office expressed gratitude for the rapid intervention of emergency teams from the eThekwini Municipality.
“Speed and efficiency are what should forever characterise our work as we move forward,” he said.
Authorities are closely collaborating with eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba and Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane to coordinate relief efforts.
A multidisciplinary team, led by head of department Max Mbili, has been deployed to the area, including officials from provincial and national human settlements departments, alongside Ward 25 councillor Mkhize and local ward structures.
As an immediate intervention, displaced residents have been temporarily accommodated in two large marquees, while longer-term solutions are being arranged.
Government departments have also mobilised additional support services. Education MEC Sipho Hlomuka is overseeing efforts to provide school uniforms so affected children can return to school without disruption. Meanwhile, teams are processing replacement identity documents and birth certificates lost in the fire.
Healthcare and social support services have also been activated, with MECs Nomagugu Simelane and Mbali Shinga dispatching teams to assist affected families.
Duma also acknowledged the role played by humanitarian organisations and the local community in providing immediate relief.
Among those assisting are the Gift of the Givers Foundation, which supplied mattresses and blankets, the Al Imdaad Foundation with food parcels, and the South African Red Cross Society, which has been providing meals. Community members and groups such as the Ikabawo Performing Arts Academy have also stepped in to support those affected.
“We remain in constant liaison with all stakeholders to ensure that affected residents receive the necessary assistance,” Duma said.