Sustainable urban development? : low-cost housing challenges in South Africa

Files

133043.pdf (262.98 KB)

Date

2007

Authors

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Elsevier

Abstract

Low-cost housing provision has been a major focus of government in post-apartheid urban South Africa. While successes can be noted, there is growing concern regarding the social and environmental sustainability of housing programs and the impacts upon both the surrounding environment and human health. Utilizing key informant interviews, survey research, Census data and documentary review, this essay identifies the major impediments to a sustainable low-cost housing provision in urban South Africa. The essay also points to hopeful signs in new policy directions, particularly attention to health issues and informal settlement upgrade programs. However, the major obstacles to a sustainable low-cost housing process, including macro-economic conditions, enduring historical legacies of race and class, the scale and rapidity of urban growth and institutional challenges show little indication of abating.

Description

Due to copyright restrictions, this item cannot be shared

Keywords

HEALTH, URBAN AREAS, URBAN ENVIRONMENT, URBAN HOUSING, LOW COST HOUSING, SUSTAINABLE HABITATS, ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE, SOUTH AFRICA

Citation

URI

http://hdl.handle.net/10625/46505

DOI

Collections

IDRC Research Results / Résultats de recherches du CRDI
2000-2009 / Années 2000-2009
Research Results (Ecohealth) / Résultats de recherches (Écosanté)