CHAPTER 5: SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.2 Summary of findings
The researcher collected primary data whose results were discussed in the previous section. This enabled the researcher to achieve the study’s objectives. In order to assess the current situation of Albert Park, a series of observation studies were conducted. The researcher took note of street furniture, the people, the conditions of buildings and the different forms of urban blight that currently exist in Albert Park. Observations was essential as it was needed to determine the factors that give rise to urban blight in Albert Park. This section presents a summary of the study’s findings that aid to determine whether the objectives of the study were achieved accordingly. The research findings are presented on a thematic basis guided by the research objectives. The themes therefore were used as criteria for data analysis.
5.2.1 Aesthetic environment
It is evident that the buildings in Albert Park are in a state of disrepair. The surrounding environment is also neglected with litter and rubbish strewn on the streets and pavements as well as side-walks even though bins are placed at strategic points (photo 1.1). However, there are regular waste collections every Wednesday. Municipal workers are also designated to clean the streets and sidewalks (photo 1.2). There a number of trees along the centre of the road to boost the aesthetic quality of the area (photo 1.3).
Photo 1.1: Litter along Park Street Photo 1.1: Litter along Park Street Photo 1.2: Rubbish collection on a Wednesdays
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5.2.2 Economic opportunities
During the apartheid era mostly white citizens occupied the city of Durban leaving minimal opportunities for the non-white race groups apart from the unskilled work that was controlled. When South Africa became a democratic nation, the black community had full access to the city which led to large businesses’ leaving the CBD area in fear of alteration (Mohamed, 1999). As time passed on the appearance of the city had deteriorated and the nature of business and trade transformed (ibid).
This transformation included retail, commercial and informal trade (refer to photo 1.4 and photo 1.5).
At this present day Albert Park is littered with a number of commercial activities which include small shops, food outlets, pubs, car washes and the like.
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Photo 1.4: Small shop found on Diakonia Avenue Photo 1.5: Salon situated on Park Street 5.2.3 Socio-economic
The city of Durban has a diverse range of demographic groups, range of cultures and race groups. It was observed that even though there is a mixed number of race groups within the CBD, Albert Park represented a very narrow demographic base. From 1948 to 1994 the CBD was dominated by affluent White South African citizens. The demographics of the area has since changed as less affluent non- white South African citizens now utilise the city centre. Hence there is a lack of major racial and cultural integration within Albert Park, with this came a series of complete shifts being experienced within the Durban CBD in its occupants’ socio-economic demography.
Photo 1.6: Predominant race group In Albert Park Photo 1.7: Citizens walking through the CBD 5.2.4 Quality of life
According to eThekwini Municipality (2013-2014), the five years Integrated Development Plan describes indications of life satisfaction as good health, family, employment opportunities and
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economic opportunities. The dissatisfaction of life is simply the opposite that; is poor health, unemployment, poor economic opportunities and crime.
60% of the residents reported that the quality of life was not “up to standards”. This was based on the observed poor living conditions, crime within the area and aesthetic value of the neighbourhood. One of the landlords reported the biggest problem in the area was that there were too many young people or students within the area causing trouble and noise pollution. In order to avert crime an existing building in Albert Park was converted into a metro police station in Diakonia Avenue, as well as a central camera to monitor any unexpected activities. The visibility of the police station and cameras was reported to have improved security within the area. Some of the residential buildings have camera within the entrance to monitor people coming in and out of the building as well as finger print entry to access the building improving safety and hence combating crime.
Photo 1.8: Cameras within residential buildings Photo 1.9: fingerprint devices within residential buildings
5.2.5 Transport and Accessibility
The Durban CBD is the most significant transport hub in KwaZulu-Natal as the majority of the city’s public transport users initially travel to the CBD and thereafter make their way to their destinations.
According to the residents of Albert Park accessibility was not a problem. 80 % of the residents interviewed agreed that there was access to different modes of transport allowing movements to and
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from the city via bus, train and mini bus taxis. There is also access to basic facilities and services such as places of worship and a few clinics nearby as well as a metro police station. Accessibility to water electricity and waste removal services is also available. There is also street parking on the side of the roads. This was confirmed by the respondents interviewed.
Photo 1.10: Public transport along Diakonia Ave Photo 1.11: Mini Bus Taxis on Diakonia Ave 5.2.6 Sustainability
Albert Park devotes approximately 70% of its land use to the built form and very little to its vegetation. During field work it was noted that there are a few trees in Albert Park and few vegetation on the main roads. The Albert Park Recreational Park often remains empty and unkempt with evidence of litter and rubbish strewn all over. An interviewee mentioned that the Park was mostly utilised by the vagrants and people loitering around the area as well as those abusing alcohol and drugs. There are high levels of noise and air pollution and vandalism. According to the Greater Durban YMCA (2014), the community has a beautiful park “which is infested with vagrants and drug dealers: legal and illegal immigrants that are living in slum conditions being exploited by Landlords”.
This is therefore not sustainable to the environment as it destroys the area and leads to the down- grading of the area. This evidenced through poor accommodation at affordable rates which generate high returns for landlords.
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Photo: 1.12 Rubbish thrown on grass Photo 1.13: Park under utilised