WATCH | Turning fire hazard into fireproof material 02 May 2021 - 00:00
Flammable trees of the species that stoked the Table Mountain fire last month could be turned from a fire hazard into a fireproof material and revolutionise building in informal settlements, curbing the runaway fires that kill dozens of people every year.
Nomasamson Dlamini was the latest victim. She died in an inferno in Cato Crest, Durban, which burnt down 50 shacks in the same week that the wildfire torched heritage buildings at the University of Cape Town (UCT) and forced widespread evacuations.
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In January 2000, a wildfire torched about 8,800ha on Table Mountain and the urban edge, burning down 80 structures, each one surrounded by alien vegetation.
Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission had to say about the project.
“This trail is a much needed addition to our county’s transportation infrastructure and built on a vision of providing a robust, active transportation network so we can live in a healthier and more sustainable community”, Guy said.
“I see a transformation occurring, where people of all ages and abilities are seeking safe and more enjoyable travel outside of a vehicle. We have done this together. We went so far as to tax ourselves via Measure D to ensure that we had the funding to deliver. For that I thank you the public along with the city of Santa Cruz who has been an amazing partner to the RTC.”