THE VIABILITY OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT INFORMAL SETTLEMENT
Date
2011-05-16
Authors
MALOKA, J NKOANA
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Abstract
The South African local government is under constant criticism for its inability to deliver
low cost housing to poor citizens who do not own houses, and who end up living in
hazardous environments such as shallow mine dumps. They live in informal settlements
that are generally inhabitable for human beings.
The purpose of this research is to determine the viability or workability of local
government informal settlement upgrading strategy. One of the critical findings, contrary
to general perceptions is the effective communication of the strategy with beneficiaries in
the municipality. Informal settlement dwellers participated in the strategy formulation
from its conception as well as towards implementation. The strategy is comprehensive in
“social processes or sociological approach” as well as international and national
framework policy thrust, but lags in “micro strategic planning and implementation
processes”.
The other critical findings are lack of resources, in particular, financial resources; staff
capacity; and inter-departmental cooperation. These factors have adverse effect on the
informal settlement upgrading strategy. They constitute what would make the strategy
not viable or workable. The study proposes review of micro strategic planning and
implementation, pursuance of accreditation as well as continuously adaptation to
international “slums” or informal settlements improvement strategies and policy
imperatives. Accreditation of local authorities is an important vehicle that can enhance
speedy implementation of the South African low in-come housing national policy shift
dubbed “breaking new ground.”
Description
MM - P&DM
Keywords
Informal settlements, Squatter camps, Local authorities