Just two days after moving into their brand new home
a Delft family is grieving the loss of their four-year-old son who died of smoke inhalation.
The heartbroken family of Keanu Chivasa say they were forced to make a fire in their new home after the City of Cape Town failed to install electricity in the house which forms part of a new housing development in The Hague.
Ouma Rita Mentoor, 51, says after living in a shack for 14 years they were excited when officials handed over the keys on Thursday.
“They told us there was no electricity, but we were so excited. They said they don’t know when it will be put in so we moved in the same night.”
She says the family was greeted by an “icy reception” of bare cement floors and unpainted walls.
The next night several grandchildren, including Keanu, visited their grandparents and oupa David, 57, decided to make a fire outside and brought the hot coals into the lounge.
“He made the fire in the drum and they were playing in the room. I heard Keanu making sounds, but I thought they were playing because they always go on like that. So I told him to come lay by me and he was fine. By that time the coals were dead already, but there are no vents in the house and we couldn’t open the windows because it was so cold,” says Rita.
The boy’s mom, Marion Chivasa, 31, says on Saturday morning she visited the house and got a skrik when she saw black dust coming from Keanu’s mouth and nose.
“He was stiff and not moving; I ran to my friend and screamed for help, but Keanu was gone,” the grieving mom says.
Paramedics were called to the house and the family was told the boy had died of smoke inhalation.
Grieving family
Picture supplied
Mayoral Committee Member for Human Settlements, Malusi Booi, confirms they are aware of the incident and says the houses are ready to be occupied despite there being no electricity.
“The houses are certified ready for occupation as per the provincial minimum building standards.
“Should a housing project be located in an Eskom supply area, houses are certified ready for occupation without electricity as Eskom provides electricity at a later stage as per their standard operating procedures.”
He says due to the risk of vandalism and invasion, the City gives beneficiaries the choice to move into their Breaking New Ground (BNG) homes without krag.
“Following a public meeting on 26 May, most beneficiaries indicated they preferred to move into the houses and that they would sign a letter of acceptance to indicate their agreement.”
The new house in Delft now a place of sorrow.
Marion says the family is devastated by Keanu’s death and doesn’t have money to bury him.
“I was strong, but now I don’t feel so strong. I miss my baby boy,” she cries softly.