The pilot project, launched in Overcome Heights informal settlement near Muizenberg and aimed at reducing fire risks, has shown progress. To date, the teams have successfully fireproofed more than 100 structures.
Also read: CoCT conducts safety drills at Koeberg in case disaster strikes
Cape {town} Etc discount: Looking for things to do in the city at half the price? Let these great offers inspire you and fuel your imagination! Get them here.
The project is being rolled out in partnership with Mandoval Vermiculite Pty Ltd, and aims to coat at least 300 informal structures in Overcome Heights in a fire retardant substance to mitigate the spread of fires, should they occur.
Overcome Heights has a high potential for large-scale fire incidents, which is why it was selected as the site for the pilot.
The fireproofing agent used is a vermiculate-based cementitious product called Tekrok C, which is a fire-protective plaster that provides up to four hours of fire protection. It has been applied to the roofs and walls of just over 100 structures so far, equating to approximately 2 000 square metres.

‘The project is a first of its kind, and as we reflect on the last five months, the City is satisfied with the progress made, considering that there have been numerous challenges. The extreme weather experienced over winter was a major factor, but the project also had to account for the reinforcement of roofs of some structures, given the weight of the fire retardant product, as well as the application of sealant to leaking roofs.’
‘Access between dwellings also prevented the full coating of some, which required the implementation of buffer zones,’ said the Chairperson of the Safety and Security Portfolio Committee Councillor Mzwakhe Nqavashe.
In addition to this project, the City’s Disaster Risk Management Centre and other City departments continue their weekly education and awareness sessions around fire safety in informal settlements.

While fires pose a risk year-round, the strong south-easterly winds that are so prevalent during the summer can increase the risk of runaway fires.
‘We grapple with the risks of fire on a daily basis, particularly in our informal settlements, and so education and awareness have long formed part of our plans to mitigate these risks. This practical intervention is but one of the latest ways in which we are hoping to save lives and the overall toll that fires take on affected persons and communities at large.’
‘The growth of areas of informality is an international phenomenon, and housing projects are unlikely able to keep up with the growing demand for formal housing. It is thus imperative to work towards mitigating the risk of fires in informal areas, and save lives and property in the process,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security Alderman JP Smith.
Informal settlement fires are very difficult to control and can have devastating consequences for residents.
Pay attention to these basic tips and help control the risk:
- Keep a close eye on cooking devices like paraffin or gas stoves, open flames etc
- Do not cook near a window with a curtain
- Keep candles in cans, surrounded by sand to snuff out the flame should the candle fall over
- Do not go to sleep or leave the house with candles or gas lamps still burning
- Do not smoke in bed and make sure cigarette butts are put out properly before disposing of them
- Teach children about the dangers of fire, and store flammable items like matches or lighters out of their reach
- Be aware of the dangers of illegal and faulty electricity connections, which also cause fires
- Keep a bucket handy to fill with water so that you can extinguish flames easily
- Keep a bucket of sand to put out paraffin fires
- Build structures a good distance (at least 3m) apart to prevent fires from spreading; make sure this space is kept open
- Keep roads and access to structures clear at all times
- Do not block roads with personal belongings when there is a fire
- Do not prevent or disturb the work of fire crews fighting fires
Explore Cape Town and its surroundings with these incredible deals on cars for under R100 000. Find car listings here.
Also read:
Viral video shows difference between Western and Eastern Cape roads
Picture: City of Cape Town