Oupa Nceba Mayongo of New Crossroads in Gugulethu is pleading with the City of Cape Town to fix his house that was damaged in a fire last year.
Nceba says his house was damaged in February after a fire broke out at a neighbour’s house while council workers were busy fixing an electricity box.
His roof and wall attached to the neighbour’s house got damaged and now leaks.
Nceba says he also lost his bed, TV, a cupboard and some krag plugs are not working.
“That box burst into flames while they worked on it and both houses got damaged.
“Nothing was done ever since to my house and I have been to the council offices multiple times.
“I was asked if I had a title deed, I said yes and they said I couldn’t make a claim then.
“I don’t understand because I did not damage my house and the fire did not even start at my place.”
He lives in the five-room semi-detached house with his 38-year-old wife and minor children.
“If I could, I would fix it myself but I don’t work and I have a family to feed.
“It’s the second winter since the incident and we are going to be wet inside the house,” says Nceba.
Malusi Booi, Mayco member for human settlements, says the City may not perform repairs on privately owned properties.
“The City’s contractors will however perform waterproofing to Mr Mayongo’s roof.
“Mr Mayongo needs to urgently submit a public liability insurance claim form to the City’s insurance department,” says Booi.