In-situ upgrading is a holistic approach with an emphasis on eliminating social exclusion, poverty and vulnerability. Nevertheless, the on-site upgrading of the Cato Crest informal settlement has positively impacted the community through the provision of services and secured land tenure, maintaining socio-economic networks and integrating the settlement into the wider urban fabric.
Introduction .1
Research Problem
Most importantly, the constant growth of informal settlements poses a major challenge to sustainable settlements. Therefore, GIS should be an essential tool for monitoring and evaluating the modernization of informal settlements.
Justification of the study
It is clear that GIS has been successfully implemented in informal settlements and has shown positive experiences (Abbott, 2001; Abbott, 2002; Abbott, 2003; Habitat, 2000; Karanja, 2010). This study provides the opportunity to dissect the importance of GIS and the extent to which it can be adopted for the improvement of informal settlements in a South African context.
Research Aim
- Objectives
This study is important because using GIS it is possible to represent the geographic features that are the heart of GIS (Longley et al, 2005). Emphasize the use of GIS as a monitoring tool to avoid the recurrence of shacks in places where official houses have been built.
Main Research question
- Sub-questions
Can the use of GIS help the human settlements department to eradicate informal settlements by 2014. What are the other methods used by the eThekwini municipality to monitor and evaluate the in-situ improvement of informal settlements besides GIS.
Definition of key concepts
- Informal Settlement
- In-situ upgrading
- GIS
- Community participation
- Household
- Security of tenure
Upgrading informal settlements can occur using one of two approaches: relocation or in-situ development (Del Mistro and Hensher, 2009). There are a number of studies that focus on the use of GIS and the improvement of informal settlements in-situ (which will be discussed in more detail in Chapter 2).
Research design and Methodology
- Justification of the case study
Cato Crest residents agree that the upgrade project has improved living conditions on site, citing "the provision of infrastructure". Huchzermeyer, M., and Karam, A., (2006) The continuing challenge of informal settlements: An introduction. eds) Informal settlements, eternal challenges.
Sampling
Sources of data
- Primary sources of data
- Interviews
- Questionnaires
- On-site observation
- Secondary sources of data
- Aerial photograph
- Digitizing
- Buffering
For the purpose of this research, two sources of data were used; these are primary and secondary data sources. For the purpose of this study, primary data was in the form of interviews, questionnaire and observation.
Data analysis
Furthermore, the use of GIS for favela upgrading at the University of Bologna coincided with 'the development of the ViSP (Visual Settlement Planning) approach by UNCHS (Habitat)' (Abbott & . Douglas, 2001) cited in (Abbott , 2003). Huchzermeyer, M., (2006) The New Instrument for Upgrading Informal Settlements in South Africa: Contributions and Limitations. eds) Informal settlements: A perpetual challenges.
Limitations
Structure of dissertation
Theoretical Framework Literature Review
Introduction
The final component of this chapter discusses the area of informal settlement in a South African context. A number of studies on the use of GIS and informal settlements have been carried out over a number of years.
Theoretical framework
- Liberalism
- Neo-liberal
- Development agencies
- Consequences of neo-liberals and development agencies… 26
- The Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology…
- Concept of poverty
- Concept of Sustainable Development
It also implies the recognition of three conditions: “the ownership rights, property values and physical characteristics of the underlying assets, and their impact on each other”. Through various legislation (including Group Areas Act 41 of 1950), the apartheid government “intensified controls on inflows, embarked on mass removals and enforced tighter housing controls on blacks and subsequently enforced residential segregation (Motladi, 1995: 57).
Historical background Geographic Information System
- Data Models
- Raster
- Digital Elevation Model
- Vector
- Network
- Triangulated Irregulated Network
- Location
- Longitude
- Latitude
- Map Projection
- Spatial analysis
- GIS application
Informal Settlements…
- Approaches to Informal Settlement Upgrading
- Methods to In-situ Upgrading of Informal Settlements
Simply put, 'slum' refers to the physical housing condition, and 'informal settlement' refers to the legal status of the settlement (Ley, 2009). Consequently, it included the term 'slum' and 'squatter camps' to be replaced by 'informal settlement' (Huchzermeyer, 2011). The second approach is 'in-situ upgrading', which is the process undertaken to improve an informal settlement in its current location by providing access to basic services and secure tenure to people (Pikholz, 1997).
This is to show a significant link between in-situ upgrading of informal settlements and socio-economic development (and well-being) of informal settlement residents.
Informal settlement upgrading and the application of GIS
This study is important for more than just the use of GIS for in-situ upgrading of informal settlements. The in-situ modernization program of informal settlements is consistent with and consists of the principles of adequate housing. Cato Crest residents are divided on the benefits of the in-situ modernization project, as shown in Table 1 (p. 79).
What is the level of community participation during the in-situ upgrading of informal settlement process.
South African and Informal Settlements
- Legislative framework towards dealing with informal settlements…
- KwaZulu-Natal Slum Act
Adequate housing
- In-situ upgrading contribution to adequate housing
- Intergovernmental cooperation
- Security of tenure
- Location
- Bulk services
- Accessibility
In-situ upgrading of informal settlement program seeks to improve the living conditions of people by providing access to services (such as water, electricity, sanitation and roads), secure tenure and top structure. However, due to the nature of informality, residents of informal settlements are excluded from formal practices (Huchzermeyer, 2004). The formalization of informal settlements through in-situ upgrading provides the opportunity for spatial reconstruction, and integration (both racial and economic), moving towards achieving the vision of the BNG (DoH, 2004) and inclusion (Huchzermeyer, 2006).
The modernization of informal settlements ensures access to secure tenure, adequate location, basic services and access to socio-economic opportunities; which is extremely important for the development of the individual, household and family (Tshikotshi, 2009).
Conclusion
This study attempts to monitor the progress of the in-situ upgrade of the Cato Crest informal settlement using cartographic and GIS tools. Nevertheless, a portion (26.5%) of Cato Crest residents believe that the in-situ modernization project has had no impact on improving living conditions. The sad reality is that not every Cato Crest resident will benefit positively from the in-situ modernization project.
As already mentioned, one should not have the impression that the in-situ upgrading of Cato Crest is proceeding without problems.
Background of the case study area
Introduction
The purpose of this chapter is to present a detailed account of Cato Crest as the case study in which the research is conducted, which is one of six informal settlements that make up the larger Cato Manor Township. It is important to explore the complex historical background of the case study area, it reveals factors that contribute to the current state of the settlement. Furthermore, Cato Crest reflects informal settlements in South Africa, therefore; makes it an important case study to understand the multifaceted dynamics of such settlements.
Most importantly, the case study area provides an opportunity to continuously investigate the scope and innovative use of GIS in the upgrading of informal settlements.
Historical background of Cato Manor
61 In 1932, Cato Manor was integrated into the Durban municipality and hut residents were declared illegal settlers. After 1994, Cato Manor continued to attract large numbers of informal settlement residents and continued land invasions. In 1995, Cato Manor was selected as one of the largest capital projects, reflecting its significance and importance (Cato Manor Social Development Strategy Review, 2005, cited in Cele, 2010: 10).
The Cato Crest settlement is shaped by Cato Manor's rich history, which includes forced removals and relocations.
Cato Crest
- Location…
- Social character of Cato Crest Community
- Basic services and infrastructure of Cato Crest
- Income group integration
The primary factor influencing such contests could be argued to be related to the desired location of Cato Crest. Cato Crest is one of six informal settlements, and is located on the ridge of Cato Manor between Vusi Mzimela Road (former Bellaire Road) and Mary Thiphe Street (former Cato Manor Drive) (Leclerlec-Madlala, 2004). The popularity of Cato Crest can be attributed to its location about five kilometers from the city center of Durban.
Cato Crest is apparently within walking distance of city jobs, schools, health facilities and shops (Patel, 2009).
In-situ upgrading of Cato Crest
The Cato Crest settlement offers the perfect opportunity for spatial restructuring and the integration of different income groups. Consequently, the greater part of Cato Manor and surrounding areas consists of integrated income groups. State policies towards addressing informal settlements favor a phased improvement instrument to improve living conditions and formalize housing status for residents.
The eThekwini Municipality are therefore the main architects with the responsibility of transforming Cato Crest from its informal to official status.
Conclusion
Data Analysis
Introduction
- The use of GIS in housing projects
The ISP is the initial step in housing development, this is achieved by gathering information used to prioritize housing projects, store and manage (spatial) data and perform (desktop) analysis to inform other line departments. This includes the water and sanitation department, they rely on the ISP to provide adequate service and information. For example, the project department (within Human Settlements) relies on the ISP to plan an in-situ upgrade project.
They depend on information (such as the spatial layout of the settlement, the number of structures) collected and analyzed by the ISP.
In-situ upgrading of Cato Crest informal Settlement
- Implementation phases of the in-situ upgrade
- Beneficiary identification criteria
- Monitoring and evaluating
Finally, the picture (15.d. p. 84) shows the entire futuristic cadastre for the in situ upgrade phase together with the road network. Undoubtedly, the municipality's efforts to date in the implementation of the on-site upgrade project are commendable. The vast majority of Cato Crest residents are of the opinion that on-site development is beneficial to the well-being of the community and individuals.
On the other hand, GIS is used to monitor and evaluate the in-situ upgrade over a longer period of time.
Community participation
On the other hand, the other perspective that is less popular believe that community participation is insufficient (13%) to non-existent (4. A subset of residents who share this perspective believe that community participation is there, but ineffective.
Constraints and Challenges
As a result, the municipality is heavily dependent on soil monitors for up-to-date status on the development. On the other hand, people in adequate structure experience challenges associated with poorly constructed devices. This practice is a danger to the recipients as the structures are weak, evidently with large cracks on the walls of the structures.
Living conditions on the settlement have thus improved dramatically compared to a decade (and counting).
Conclusion
Conclusion and Recommendations
- Introduction
- Summary of research findings
- Challenges experienced during the study
- Recommendations
Guided by the results of this study, recommendations are given to optimize the use of GIS for the monitoring and evaluation of informal settlements in-situ upgrading. It is recommended that the power of GIS be continuously explored to improve in-situ upgrading of informal settlements. This unit uses GIS and other spatial tools to monitor and evaluate in-situ upgrading of informal settlements.
What are the challenges faced by the unit with regard to monitoring and evaluating the in-situ modernization of informal settlements.
Picture displaying a communal standpipe
Chemical toilet onsite
Picture showing waste along the Umkhumbane River …
Detached house
Duplex house
Picture showing transit camp
