THE government has declared about 97 areas in and around Mount Frere and Mount Ayliff in the Eastern Cape which were ravaged by veld fires in August, disaster areas. Welfare and Population Development Minister Dr Zola Skweyiya said during his two-day visit to the province that the affected individuals could put in claims for damage or loss of houses or outbuildings, personal possessions and equipment, live stock, harvested crops and motor vehicles. Addressing a media conference in Bisho, he said insufficient information about the extent of damage in these areas and a lack of capacity and financial resources by the provincial government has led to a delay in the government’s decision.