WINDHOEK – Considering the high incidence of shack fires, especially in informal settlements, the City of Windhoek on Saturday went out to teach residents in Otjomuise the safe ways to use candles and gas cylinders.

The fire inspector at the Windhoek Municipality, George Nghidileko, told residents of Otjomuise that gas should not be used in shacks as it is not compatible with that environment. Gas is the common cause of fires, especially in informal settlements where there is no electricity. “Cooking with gas in the house is very inappropriate,” Nghidileko stressed. He said most shacks are not built with windows making it inappropriate to cook inside them, because if the gas leaks the poisonous and highly flammable gas remains trapped inside the shack. This makes it dangerous in the  event someone lights a match or a lighter, because the accumulated gas in the home would easily cause the shack to catch fire. He further said shack residents are not permitted to own a gas cylinder bigger than 9kg. Nghidileko also urged residents to clean and service their gas cylinders regularly to avoid dangers that come with not servicing them.

Furthermore, he also demonstrated to residents how to safely use candles in shacks and how to use fire extinguishers. Residents were strognly advised to purchase fire extinguishers.

Fikameni Andreas who lives in Otjomuise said he found the information session useful, because shack fires are a frequent occurrence in his area. “I learnt how to use candles in a safe manner and also how to use a fire extinguisher, which I previously had no knowledge of,” Andreas said.

By Alvine Kapitako