The Deputy Minister of Human Settlements, Tandi Mahambehlala, has urged residents of Dunoon, a densely populated area in Cape Town, to collaborate with the government to address the community's chronic overcrowding and housing challenges. Mahambehlala made the call during a service delivery imbizo in Dunoon on Wednesday, where residents expressed concerns about worsening service delivery problems. The area is home to over 70,000 residents and 36 informal settlements.
Dunoon remains one of Cape Town's most densely populated areas, with a significant number of residents living in informal settlements. A recent fire that ripped through the Doornbach informal settlement left hundreds of people homeless. Residents at the imbizo told Mahambehlala that overcrowding was exacerbating service delivery problems, including sewage spillages, illegal electricity connections, and the growth of informal settlements.
Mahambehlala emphasized the need for the community to work with the government to de-densify the area. She noted that efforts to do so were being undermined when beneficiaries sold or rented out their government houses and then returned to informal housing. The Deputy Minister called on the community to help demolish informal settlements, saying that if one gets a house, there must be no informal settlement rebuilt in that space.
The Department of Human Settlements is grappling with a growing housing backlog, made worse by the limited availability of land for development. Mahambehlala acknowledged the challenges faced by the department in addressing the housing needs of the community. The Deputy Minister's call to action is seen as a crucial step towards finding a solution to the chronic overcrowding and housing challenges in Dunoon.
The service delivery imbizo in Dunoon provided a platform for residents to express their concerns and engage with government officials. The event was part of the government's efforts to enhance service delivery and address the needs of communities. Mahambehlala's visit to Dunoon highlights the government's commitment to finding solutions to the area's challenges.
Residents of Dunoon have been facing significant challenges, including inadequate housing, poor sanitation, and limited access to basic services. The community has been calling for government intervention to address these challenges. Mahambehlala's call for collaboration between the community and government is seen as a positive step towards finding a solution to the area's problems.
The government has been working to strengthen its response to the needs of communities, including those in densely populated areas like Dunoon. The Deputy Minister's visit to the area and her call to action are part of these efforts. The government is expected to continue working with communities to address their needs and enhance service delivery.
Key points
- The Deputy Minister of Human Settlements, Tandi Mahambehlala, has urged Dunoon residents to work with the government to address chronic overcrowding and housing challenges.
- Dunoon remains one of Cape Town's most densely populated areas, with over 70,000 residents and 36 informal settlements.
- The Department of Human Settlements is grappling with a growing housing backlog, made worse by the limited availability of land for development.
