Chapter 4: Data Analysis
4.3. In-situ upgrading of Cato Crest informal Settlement
According to eThekwini municipal official, the in-situ upgrading of Cato Crest informal settlement was initiated in 1992, as part of the Cato Manor development that was to be an all-inclusive urban environment and integrated within the urban fabric of Durban. Consequently, Cato Crest benefited extensively through the construction of education facilities, multi-purpose facility (which consists of a library and community hall), road network (in 2003) and a health facility (fig 12, pp 75).
National policy that strongly advocates for in-situ upgrading of informal settlements was introduced in 2004, and municipalities tasked to be developer in implementing relevant housing projects. However, according to eThekwini municipal official the municipality became in charge of the Cato Crest project in year 2000. At the time eThekwini metropolitan municipality took over to the upgrading project, Cato Crest had already achieved accomplishments. Nevertheless, the local authority were faced with a difficult challenges successfully implementing the project.
Fig 12. Some of the benefits of the Cato Manor development project in Cato Crest
76 4.3.1 In-situ upgrading implementation phases
According to municipal spatial (aerial photograph) data, figure 13 is a simple illustration of changes in space over time, figure (13.a. pp 76) is a 2004 aerial photograph and figure (13.b. pp 77) is the latest available aerial photograph (2013).
Fig 13.a. The state of Cato Crest in 2004
The municipality has indicated that Cato Crest in-situ upgrade is implemented through different phases which are Cato Crest Greenfield north, central, and in-situ upgrade (fig 14, pp 78). Cato Crest Greenfield north and central phases have been completed. Cato Crest in-situ upgrade phase is currently on its implementation phase. Thus far, there are three structures associated with the in- situ upgrading; (i) detached house (plate 4.1. pp 80), (ii) duplex (plate 4.2. pp 80), and (iii) transit camp (plate 4.3. pp 80). Furthermore, simultaneously to the construction of housing phases, the
77 road network continues to increase. Figure (15.a. pp 81) clearly demonstrates the current existing road network. On the other hand, figure (15.b. pp 82) shows the planned road network that has not yet been constructed. Figure (15.c. pp 83) shows the future (combination of what is already on the ground, and what is to be constructed) road network of Cato Crest. Lastly, figure (15.d. pp 84) displays the complete futuristic cadastral for the in-situ upgrade phase together with its road network.
Fig 13.b. The state of Cato Crest in 2013
While it is evidently clear from simple observations (and referring to fig 13), infrastructure development in Cato Crest has grown substantially. It is without question efforts of the municipality in implementing the in-situ upgrade project thus far is commended. Notwithstanding, housing development should not be judge on the presence of physical structure; rather it should be
78 reviewed holistically. It should also focus on social, economic and environmental sustainable development.
Fig 14. Map showing the 3 phases of Cato Crest upgrading project
Cato Crest residents are in two fold concerning benefits of the in-situ upgrading project as articulated in table 1 (pp 79). While the dominant perspective (73.5 %) is that in-situ upgrading has improved living conditions on the settlement, there is counter view that the former has no advantages. The greater majority of Cato Crest residents are of the impression the in-situ upgrade is advantageous to the well-being of the settlement and individuals. Residents of Cato Crest concur in-situ upgrading project has improved living condition citing “the provision of infrastructure”,
“people have received adequate housing structures”, crime has drastically declined and one is able to installed security measures (such as burglar guards) in adequate structures previously not
79 feasible; thus the settlement is now a safer environment. Furthermore, because of the in-situ upgrading project, there is less soil erosion, better clean and hygiene environment, more aesthetic environment, better access to social facilities and services, better access to economic opportunities, reduced fire risk, “community unity”, “improved roads”, access to water, access to legal electricity, secure tenure status, and the size of the newly constructed houses are more spacious than shacks.
Nevertheless, a proportion (26.5 %) of Cato Crest residents feel the in-situ upgrading project has had no impact improving living conditions. This view is subjective because these residents continue leaving in shacks. Until their informal status has changed, they do not recognize the in- situ upgrade project and its benefits. Furthermore, the majority of the people who share this view are relatively new in the settlement. They may be aware of the previous condition of the settlement from word of mouth, however; did not physically experienced the hardship of older Cato Crest residents. People who have been residing in the settlement the longest have testified in-situ upgrading has drastically improved conditions on the settlement, acknowledge its advantages (and benefits), and are grateful.
Table 1: Improved living condition as a consequence of the in-situ upgrading project
Response Number Percentage
Yes 147 73.5
No 53 26.5
Total 200 100
Source: Researcher
80 Plate 4.1. Detached house (source: researcher)
Plate 4.2. Duplex house (source: researcher)
Plate 4.3. Picture showing transit camp (source: researcher)
81 Fig 15.a. Current road status of Cato Crest
82 Fig 15.b. Planned roads of Cato Crest
83 Fig 15.c. Complete futuristic Cato Crest road network
84 Fig 15.d. The future cadastral and road network of Cato Crest
85 4.3.2 Beneficiary identification criteria
In order for the municipality to identify beneficiaries, the primary criteria used to accommodate people is the duration of stay. People who have been in the informal settlement the longest were first to become beneficiaries. A system developed by the CMDA gave people approval numbers, better known as the “cc number”. People who arrived at a later stage after ‘cc numbers’ where issued, the municipality has a criteria to identify beneficiaries, with priority given to people with disabilities, and individuals who were moved into transit camps because of services. Thus far, over 920 (and counting) adequate structures have been completed. The rest of the population are benefiting from various services (such as roads, installation of water, sanitation facilities, etc.) that are part and parcel of the in-situ upgrade.
4.3.3 Monitoring and evaluating
For the purpose of monitoring and evaluating the progress of the in-situ upgrade, eThekwini municipality use two strategies; ground ‘monitors’ (people tasked to observe any illegal activities, and report land invasions to authorities) and GIS. Keeping in mind land invasions occur overnight, the municipality has developed a healthy sustainable community participation relationship with Cato Crest residents. For the purpose of monitoring and evaluating day to day activities, local authorities depend heavily on ground monitors that are the form of community members, and municipal officials. Local authorities have advocated for community members to take responsibility in their settlement and report any illegal activities to relevant community leaders.
This is because when land is invaded, the entire community is affected as implementation processes are interrupted.
On the other hand, GIS is used to monitor and evaluate the in-situ upgrade over a longer period.
This is primarily because spatial data is updated annually, thus local authorities are able to use GIS to check the progress of implementation over a long period. Housing development projects takes a number of years to complete. GIS technology is still very much relevant and an important tool to use to monitor and evaluate in-situ upgrading. Additionally, information from ground monitors can be used to update the GIS data, and be able to influence decisions.
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