An assessment of the use of Geographic Information System (GIS) in monitoring and evaluating the progress of in-situ upgrading of informal settlements : a case study of Cato Crest Informal Settlement, eThekwini Municipality.
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Date
2014
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Abstract
As a point of departure, this study investigates the innovative use of geographic information system
(GIS) as a technological tool for urban governance in South Africa used for monitoring and
evaluating informal settlement upgrading projects, using the case of Cato Crest informal settlement
in eThekwini municipality. In South Africa, the number of informal settlements continues to
increase perpetuated by phenomena such as rapid urbanisation and poverty; notwithstanding of the
goal of the Department of Human Settlements to eradicate all informal settlements by 2014. The
BNG advocates for in-situ upgrading as the preferred approach for settlement upgrading as it seeks
to improve settlements in their current location through the provision of services, and secured land
tenure. In-situ upgrading is a holistic approach with an emphasis on eliminating social exclusion,
poverty, and vulnerability. Favouring neoliberal policies has resulted in increased poverty as
people are not able to compete in formal housing markets due to insufficient capital. Technological
adaptation is barred by lack of support from top management and capital resources. This research
adopted a qualitative research design, utilizing primary and secondary sources of data, employing
semi-structured interviews, questionnaire, observation, GIS based methods of digitizing, and
buffering as data collection methods. Data is analysed through thematic analysis and GIS
technology, and findings presented in cartographic display. The research has found that, among
other things, eThekwini municipality utilizes GIS through the ISP to inform decisions for housing
projects. However, GIS continues to face barriers in monitoring and evaluating in-situ upgrading
of informal settlements as spatial data is updated annually; thus unable to map spontaneous land
invasions as they occur throughout a year cycle. Notwithstanding, the in-situ upgrading of Cato
Crest informal settlement has impacted the community positively through the provision of
services, and secured land tenure, preserve socio-economic networks, and integration of the
settlement into the broader urban fabric.
Description
Master of Housing.
Keywords
Geographic information systems--South Africa--eThekwini Municipality Metropolitan., Squatter settlements--South Africa--eThekwini Municipality metropolitan area., Housing rehabilitation--South Africa--eThekwini Municipality metropolitan area., Theses--Housing., Cato Crest informal settlement.