The Knysna Municipality officially handed over 16 replacement homes in Beverly Hills, Smutsville on Tuesday, 4 October.

These structures replaced the homes lost in a devastating fire on July 22. Although the families have already been living in the homes for some time now, the municipality hosted a ceremony to officially hand the new homes and other community donated items to the families.

Following the fire that left 22 families homeless, the municipality immediately treated the matter with urgency. The families were provisionally housed in the Smutsville Community Hall, and provided with blankets & food parcels.

The Sedgefield community lived up to their reputation of a caring community and went out of their way to assist the victims. They provided clothing, shoes, food, toiletries and other essential items.

Smutsville Councillor Laveal Davis (right)

Knysna Executive Mayor Eleanore Bouw-Spies said, “The fire that tore through the homes in July was devastating, but I remain thankful that no lives were lost. Today we are here to hand over these homes and I cannot imagine the trauma you, the affected families have endured. I hope that now that you have received these homes you can somehow start to re-build your lives one step at a time.

“It is heart-warming to see the spirit of ubuntu within the Sedgefield community. Shortly after the news of the fire broke, people of this community lent a helping hand by donating necessary items. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to each of you for showing your support to the affected families and acting as a go-between for the community and donors.

“I am also glad to announce that the tender for the electrification of Beverley Hills will be out soon. This electrification project is to be completed before end of financial year”, Bouw-Spies concluded.

Press release issued by Knysna Municipality.