The more than 200 shack owners who lost their homes in a massive fire at Walvis Bay have appealed to the municipality to give them plots.

The shack fire victims say congested residential areas are death traps during fire outbreaks.

According to the Erongo Police statement, a fire broke out on Friday at around 18:30 at the new illegal settlement at Otweya.

It is alleged that the fire started in the middle of the congested location and spread rapidly to more than 200 shacks.

The police report further says the fire was extinguished by the municipality fire brigade, who also discovered the burnt body of a man.

The cause of the fire is being investigated.

Meanwhile, residents who have been living here for more than a year are traumatised by the deadly experience. 

This is the second time a massive fire swept through Otweya, previously known as Twaloloka.

In July 2020, more than 200 people were left destitute and homeless, while one baby burnt to death in the ordeal.

The residents complained about the congested informal settlement, and the government responded by building 121 houses for the fire victims.

A decongestion project for shacks in neighbouring areas was also completed.