The City of Cape Town says it is ready to move ahead with emergency reblocking at Dunoon’s Site 5 informal settlement following a devastating fire that tore through the area on Friday, 9 January. However, the intervention has stalled amid resistance from some residents and delays linked to national policy requirements.
In a media statement via the City, Mayoral Committee Member for Human Settlements, Councillor Carl Pophaim, confirmed that contractors are on standby and that funding has already been secured.
‘The City of Cape Town is ready to proceed with the urgent reblocking of Dunoon’s Site 5 informal settlements,’ he said, adding that access to the site has been restricted by community members.
The fire left large sections of the settlement destroyed, forcing families to seek temporary shelter or begin rebuilding using salvaged materials.
City officials acknowledge that tensions on the ground are being shaped by past experiences. According to Pophaim, the City understands ‘the mistrust which has emerged because of past delays and unfulfilled commitments by the National Department of Human Settlements.’
The City has allocated R12 million for the reblocking project and says key services are already present on site, prepared to begin work immediately.
Despite this, Pophaim noted that the proposed intervention has been rejected by affected residents, complicating efforts to stabilise the area.
‘It is important to place on record that the City is ready to respond,’ he said. ‘The necessary budget has been identified, contractors are on standby and essential services are on site and ready to begin work immediately.’
A further challenge, according to the City, is the lack of a formal directive from the Minister of Human Settlements. Without this instruction, an emergency housing response cannot legally proceed. Pophaim described this as a policy gap that is slowing action ‘at a time when residents urgently need assistance.’
In an effort to prevent further confrontation, City officials have temporarily stepped back from the site. Pophaim stressed that this does not signal a withdrawal of support.
‘We are not withdrawing from the area,’ he said. ‘We are ready to work with residents, community leadership and other spheres of government to find a way forward, which restores safe and dignified housing as quickly as possible.’
Meanwhile, humanitarian organisation Gift of the Givers has also responded to the crisis, highlighting the scale of the destruction in Du Noon and calling for public support. In footage shared on social media, the organisation urged the public to stay informed and contribute towards relief efforts.
As discussions continue between residents, City officials and other stakeholders, the City has reiterated its call for national government to provide policy clarity that would unlock emergency interventions.
‘Our residents deserve a response which matches the urgency of this disaster,’ Pophaim said.
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Picture: Gift of the Givers/ Facebook
