WINDHOEK - A Katutura family of 19 was left destitute after they lost everything in the fire that gutted down their home last week.  

The home in Single Quarters belong to 62-year-old widow Justine Murangi who lives with her unemployed five children, grandchildren and family members children that she is raising. 

Without money, Murangi is unable to renovate her home of 38 years but wish that someone help her renovate her two-bedroom home.  

With no windows, doors and ceiling, the debris is just a bitter reminder of her home she lived in for many years. Luckily, no one sustained injuries in the fire that occurred last week Thursday afternoon. 
The family is only left with the clothes they were wearing on the day of the fire.

“I want someone to help me renovate the house. I will appreciate any kind of assistance rendered to me as I am left with nothing. Uniforms, school bags and shoes of school going children are all burnt inside,” said the pensioner with her grandchildren surrounding her.

Only one of Murangi’s children is employed as a cleaner while her older son gets a social grant from government, this is the only income at the home. Among the 19 people who live in the house is Murangi’s daughter who has a three-weeks old baby who was inside the house when the fire started.

Murangi said they saw from outside the bed in the sitting room on fire, and they suspect the fire might have started from the electrical box. 

“In the room was my daughter with her three weeks baby, after noticing smoke, she bumped the baby against the wall as she stormed out,” stated the pensioner. 

The lactating mother is accommodated by the neighbours in their shack.  Other family members are sleeping in the neighbour’s broken cars that are in the yard while others sleep outside.
The municipality gave the family five mattresses and blankets after the fire but more is needed to help the family.