Barriers and opportunities for participatory environmental upgrading: Case study of Havelock informal settlement, Durban. (March 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Parikh, Priti; Bisaga, Iwona; Loggia, Claudia; Georgiadou, Maria Christina; Ojo-Aromokudu, Judith
• Is Part Of: City and environment interactions. Volume 5(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-03
• Subjects: Informal settlement -- In-situ upgrading -- Infrastructure -- Environmental management -- Durban -- Water -- Sanitation -- Solid waste; Metropolitan areas -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Sustainable urban development -- Periodicals; Urban ecology (Sociology) -- Periodicals; Urban ecology (Biology) -- Periodicals; Land use, Urban -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; City planning -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; 307.3416
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cacint.2020.100041
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2590-2520

Abstract

Abstract: Urbanisation is one of the key challenges of this decade with 68% of the global population likely to be living in urban areas by 2050. This challenge is particularly acute in sub-Saharan Africa where future towns and cities will see an influx of residents living in spontaneous human settlements. As cities struggle to keep up with the speed of growth and spread of informal settlements, associated environmental challenges such as air and water pollution and waste management have been significantly increasing posing a health risk in high density settings. Using the case of Havelock informal settlement in Durban, the authors identified key challenges associated with poor environmental conditions, lack of basic infrastructure, and the implications for settlement upgrading. The study uses mixed methods combining transect walks, priority mapping, seasonal calendar, focus group discussions and household interviews to explore the households' most challenging environmental issues faced daily by informal dwellers. This paper seeks to make the case for targeted participatory environmental infrastructure and management delivery in urban settlements in South Africa. The research also highlights the value of adopting a holistic approach to infrastructure provision to effectively enhance the living conditions of communities. Targeted participatory processes are vital to ensure that holistic infrastructure interventions are acceptable, appropriate and embedded in local communities to create sustainable habitats. Highlights: This study highlights the importance of infrastructure provision and environmental improvements (water, sanitation, roads, flood and solid waste management) to improve living conditions in informal settlements. Community needs and aspirations need to be mainstreamed in the delivery of infrastructure services. This requires local communities to fully participate, engage and co-lead decisions on the provision of infrastructure services. Our study highlights gaps in operation and maintenance of services resulting in sub-standard service delivery, enhanced health and safety risks and day-to-day challenges in informal settlements.