MANY challenges are preventing the eThekwini Municipality from succeeding in upgrading informal settlements across the City, including Dakota Beach in Prospecton. This was included in a recent report by the City’s Human Settlements, Engineering and Transport Committee as it asked for stronger government support in the matter.

Also read: Fire devastates Dakota beach informal settlement

Besides restoring human dignity, eThekwini saw the need to upgrade informal settlements to curb frequent disasters. The Dakota Beach informal settlement has dealt with several fires over the years that have destroyed shacks, leaving some occupants with only the clothes on their backs. The most recent fire occurred during the early hours of July 8, 2025, and is suspected to have been started by an unattended candle in one of the shacks.

During a recent meeting, the council resolved to engage provincial and national governments on measures aimed at strengthening the implementation of informal settlement upgrading programmes to improve the delivery of housing and basic services.

Dakota Beach resident, Sipho Makhaye, lost everything in the previous fire and is still waiting on the promises made by authorities. He said he stays in Dakota Beach to be closer to Prospecton, where he does menial work.

“We are promised houses and better services every time there is a disaster here, but things always remain the same. The more people move to this place, the more overcrowded it is becoming, which increases the danger of another fire,” said Makhaye.

He suggested that if the municipality wants to help them, formal houses should be built in Dakota Beach and not move people to another area.

Also read: Dakota Beach informal settlement to get toilets

City spokesperson, Senzelwe Mzila, said the council noted that rapid urbanisation, increasing demand for housing, limited availability of suitable land, infrastructure constraints and funding shortages continue to slow project implementation and place pressure on the municipality’s ability to meet growing housing needs.

“The municipality will advocate for improved implementation approaches, increased grant funding and alternative financing mechanisms. It will also pursue policy reforms that support higher-density housing developments, enhanced security of tenure and innovative housing delivery models suited to urban environments,” said Mzila.

The council further supported phased implementation approaches for projects affected by land constraints and funding limitations, while emphasising the need for stronger intergovernmental co-ordination to accelerate planning approvals, land acquisition and infrastructure provision.

Mzila added that through these engagements, eThekwini aims to secure greater support from provincial and national governments to deliver sustainable housing solutions, improve living conditions and expand access to safe, serviced communities.

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