In a preemptive move, Macassar residents are already refusing the potential relocation of Khayelitsha shack dwellers to their area.

The Housing Development Agency (HDA) is working with PRASA to find suitable tracts of land to house people occupying train tracks on the Central Line.

HDA regional manager, Phumlani Mbulawa says that they have already acquired two parcels of land, which will accommodate 1 500 structures.

Now the HDA is speaking to private landowners in Macassar to accommodate more people.

Macassar ward councillor, Peter Helfrich says that residents’ petition against the relocation is based on the under-resourcing that already exists in the area.

He says that the police service is struggling to serve Macassar and more residents will place further strain on officers.