DUBAI // A property developer will provide 20 studio and one-bedroom apartments to house people who were made homeless by a fire in one of the world’s tallest residential buildings last month.
The First Group will work with Kingfield Owner Association Management Services, which represents residents of The Torch, to house some of those affected by the blaze in the 86-storey building.
More than 100 apartments were severely damaged, while many of the victims have yet to enter their homes to inspect the damage and collect belongings.
The First Group said the apartments will be located in its Metro Central and First Central hotel, in Tecom. Some fire victims will be provided with accommodation for up to two months free of charge.
“While the fire briefly drew the attention of the world’s media, the human tragedy behind the headlines remains,” said First Group joint chairman Danny Lubert.
“We felt it was our duty to ...assist these residents by providing short-term accommodation so they can go about rebuilding their lives.”
Meanwhile, fellow joint chairman Gary Shepherd said he hoped the example set by the developer would inspire other corporations in Dubai to help those in need.
newsdesk@thenational.ae