Informal Settlements in South Africa
They are a common scene in our society. We see and hear about the problems occurring in these "squatter camps" every day but we do not take heed of the effects these settlements have on the environment. One of the problems caused by Rapid Urbanization is unemployment, as everyone cannot be guaranteed a job in an overpopulated city. The unemployed who cannot afford food or accommodation end up settling in open fields and collecting materials to build shelters. Thus is the onset of an informal settlement.
The materials used to build informal settlements are mainly scrap metals, plastic, cardboard, and anything else which can be used to provide a warm shelter. As most of these materials are not bio-degradable, they lie around becoming part of the squatter's living environment.
Many families live together in one shelter which is sub-divided for each family. This presents a fire-hazard because one candle which might have been left burning overnight could cause the entire structure (or even the entire "squatter camp") to go up in flames. This happens often enough to cause a great threat to the environment and the community.
The Vygieskraal community in Athlone has formed a committee which attends to the needs of the settlement and deals with the local council in keeping the surroundings free of pollution and lessening the chances of disease. This is a model informal settlement, and we will be working closely with this community for educational purposes.
Staff