The 'Massive, Little' Houses: 'Prefabs', A Solution for Informal Settlement Housing Crisis in South Africa! A Scoping Review
Date
2024-08-27
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Construction Business and Project Management Group, University of Cape Town
Abstract
Unlike most continents, Africa still grapples with urban informality, where housing shortages affect most people living in substandard conditions. Prefabricated housing (PH) presents an alternative option that provides a quicker and cheaper housing supply, although it currently lags behind demand. This paper examines whether 1) informal settlements can be upgraded using prefabricated/modular houses, 2) these housing types are desirable to occupants, and 3) alternative houses should receive as much emphasis and policy support as possible, particularly considering the challenges experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on a comprehensive literature survey utilising a scoping review methodology, the paper indicates that stakeholders such as developers, financiers, and occupants of prefabricated housing increasingly embrace PH despite its challenges. The literature unanimously agrees that substantial efforts are required to catalyse more investment in PH regarding further research, education, supply chain improvements, and enhanced communication and collaboration among industry stakeholders. Additionally, numerous research gaps need addressing, including in-depth examinations of PH's contextual feasibility and performance across different geographical areas. The paper recommends that South African governments adopt PH as an alternative housing solution, as it is faster and cheaper, thereby aiding in achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goal 11.
Description
Correspondence: P. Simbanegavi, School of Construction Economics and Management, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa. E-mail: prisca.simbanegavi@wits.ac.za
Keywords
Informal settlements, Modular housing, Prefabricated housing, Sustainable development, Urbanisation
Citation
Simbanegavi, P., Weaich, M., Adewunmi, Y., Ndlovu, P., & Gethe, F. (2024, August 27). The 'Massive, Little' Houses: 'Prefabs', A Solution for Informal Settlement Housing Crisis in South Africa! A Scoping Review. Proceedings for the Innovative Solutions for Affordable Housing Symposium, University of Cape Town. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.13381428