Case-based research on the fedup model for self-help housing
- Authors: Qumbisa, Nolwazi
- Date: 2023-12
- Subjects: Community participation , Human settlements , Informal settlements
- Language: English
- Type: doctoral's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62199 , vital:72007
- Description: In South Africa, the government subsidises the building of starter homes to meet the demand for housing for people with lower incomes. However, it is necessary for the state to revise its efforts to meet the demand for housing in the country. Self-help housing is a model that can be used as an alternative to state housing subsidies. The present research study investigates the essential aspects of sustainable self-help housing in the central region of South Africa. The present study aimed to address the central research topic by eliciting responses from participants: How can self-help provision become sustainable in the central region of South Africa? In response to the question, an effective self-help housing support model was developed, the aim of which is to outline how self-help housing projects could be improved. The literature findings demonstrate the potential of this model as a viable alternative to the existing housing delivery mechanism in South Africa. This assertion is supported by a study of self-help housing trajectories and an examination of relevant South African housing policies. However, there has been a lack of emphasis on the simplification of current models to accommodate the needs of implementers, government entities, and beneficiaries of self-help housing initiatives. This study aimed to address the highlighted gaps by utilising a qualitative methodology and drawing upon the data obtained. The data collection techniques included semi-structured interviews, structured observations, and focus-group discussions. A total of 25 semi-structured interviews were conducted with key stakeholders in human settlements, while the focus-group discussions involved 50 participants. A total of 5 focus group discussions were conducted with each group consisting of 10 participants. Moreover, the researcher conducted a document analysis, observations, and questionnaire survey. The data collected were analysed thematically. The results revealed that there are still challenges with implementing self-help housing. Moreover, the results are attributed mainly to a mismatch of the roles and responsibilities and not understanding the Enhanced People’s Housing Process (EPHP) policy. The principal contribution of the thesis is that housing policies, programmes and sector plans must encourage beneficiaries to play an active role. This study found that weak or unclear project vi specifications lead to contractor misunderstandings or discrepancies in housing project implementation, resulting in poor-quality work or delays. The conventional contractor-driven housing-delivery model also has issues like poor construction, corruption and mismanagement, profit-driven contractors, high contractor rates, project delays/incomplete projects, illegal occupation of incomplete projects, riots and disputes, ineffective project specifications, and beneficiary disengagement. In this study, it is demonstrated how a positive social impact on housing could be the outcome of an improved self-help approach. Consequently, the research suggests the adoption of an effective self-help housing support model, which may effectively address the challenges posed by informal settlements while enhancing the execution of self-help housing projects. The model has the potential to make contemporary contributions to the public housing policy model in South Africa. This study contributes to the broader discourse on sustainable housing alternatives, providing insights into the various obstacles, potential advantages, and recommended strategies within the realm of selfhelp housing. The study's qualitative approach facilitated a comprehensive examination of the lived experiences and viewpoints of diverse stakeholders. This yielded valuable insights that can inform policymakers, practitioners, and communities in their efforts to improve the sustainability of self-help housing solutions in the central region of South Africa. , Thesis (PhD) -- Engineering, Built Environment and Technology, 2023
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- Date Issued: 2023-12
Constraints in attainment of sustainable human settlements at Kwamaphumulo Local Municipality
- Authors: Sikhosana, Phindokuhle
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Human settlements , Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47181 , vital:39829
- Description: This study sought to investigate the constraints in the attainment of sustainable human settlement in KwaMaphumulo Local Municipality at iLembe District in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The aim of this study was to investigate the constraints that limit the achievement of the ideal of sustainable human settlement development in the KwaMaphumulo Local Municipality. Furthermore, the study sought to determine the impact of these constraints on sustainable development and to proffer measures that can be taken to combat stagnant or underdevelopment in the area. A mixed-method approach is followed in this study, which considers a triangulation of quantitative and qualitative data collection, analysis and interpretation techniques. It is important to note that in the past years since South Africa became a democratic country, there have been countless efforts with regard to overcoming the problems created during the apartheid era. These problems stemmed from a distorted spatial, social, economic and political background that was advocated by both segregationist public policies and the planning systems of the Apartheid Regime. In recent years, South African cities have also been faced with environmental issues, which are imperative to the future development of the country. With all these issues in mind, we see that the many efforts that are put in place by government always fall short of solving the problems. This research report looked at the constraints that affect the KwaMaphumulo Local Municipality in attaining sustainable human settlements and whether the efforts of redistribution and equality have been enough to overcome the problems. The key findings of the study were that constraints in attaining sustainable human settlements in the KwaMaphumulo Local Municipality negatively impacts on the development in the area. The level of services being provided is poor. There is an apparent disconnect between traditional leaders and the municipality councillor as development management and vision are concerned. Furthermore, the development programmes and projects do not seem to address the critical needs of the community. Housing development is narrow minded with a focus on the top structure and a failure to include basic services and infrastructure. Houses built that are financed by subsidies are of poor quality. The latter situation results in more able‐ bodied, skilled and capable people emigrating to developed areas.
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- Date Issued: 2020