The City of Cape Town’s Human Settlements Directorate has interacted with the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) following the illegal invasion and erection of structures along the Philippi railway line. The engagement stems from the City’s concerns about the safety of the community and residents who have illegally occupied this Prasa-owned land.

Mayoral Committee Member for Human Settlements, Malusi Booi, said the City has offered to assist with the dismantling and removal of the unoccupied structures due to the immediate health and safety concerns that exist.

"It is therefore imperative that immediate steps are taken to protect this Prasa-land from illegal occupation," Booi said.

"Earlier today I conducted a site inspection of the land in question.

"Although we absolutely understand the acute need for housing opportunities amid great demand and space constraints that we are faced with due to Cape Town’s terrain and geographical position as a peninsula, we must also consider the health and safety aspects that could affect our residents. Housing delivery must also continue to happen in a fair and structured way to ensure that there is no queue jumping," he said.