Residential satisfaction of informal settlement dwellers relocated to integrated human settlements : the case of Cornubia

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to establish the impact on the residential satisfaction of relocating informal settlement dwellers to greenfield housing projects. The study was conducted in the community of Cornubia within the eThekwini Municipality. The Cornubia Integrated Human Settlement Project is one of the initiatives taken to assist with the current challenge of informal settlements. Unlike other greenfield projects, the Cornubia development looks at creating a “city within a city” by providing various mixed-use activities to service the beneficiaries and create economic opportunities, thus eliminating common complications associated with informal settlement relocation projects. A case study methodology was used to evaluate the level of residential satisfaction achieved by beneficiaries of the project – which included dwellers from transit camps and informal settlements, such as Blackburn, Stonebridge, and Ridgeview. The allocation of subsidised units began in late November 2013. A structured questionnaire was conducted with the identified sample of the study, of which there were 127 respondents. Each component was measured against the level of residential satisfaction achieved in order to obtain a conclusion. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with municipal officials who were involved in the project. The conclusions and recommendations drawn from the findings are that a more holistic and integrated approach needs to be enforced – especially with regard to service delivery and development timeframes. The quality of houses still needs to be improved considerably. Public awareness needs to be given more attention as not many residents were aware of their surroundings. Overall, residents were merely satisfied and grateful to have a roof above their heads