Evaluating the accomplishment of social sustainability as a planning principle: the case of Cornubia housing project.
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Date
2020
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Abstract
Global urban growth trends place significant pressure on cities to accommodate the
increasing urban populace and ensure housing opportunities with sufficient access to
basic services and economic opportunities. This challenge is further compounded by the
need to reduce unemployment and inequality while minimizing the negative
environmental consequences of development. Past experience shows that the social needs
of new communities are often overlooked in the drive to deliver housing on a large
scale. Housing is prioritised over local facilities and often residents move into
settlements with few facilities to support local social life. This dissertation rests on the
argument that the conditions faced by the beneficiaries of low income housing projects are as a
result of the manner in which these project are delivered. The main aim of the study is to
evaluate the applicability of the mass housing project approach in the eThekwini Municipality
context, specifically the Cornubia Housing Project and determine its impact and sustainability
through the use of social sustainability. The main research question is: to what degree has the
Cornubia Housing Project been able to accomplish social sustainability? This study employed
the qualitative research approach which revealed that to date, the Cornubia Housing Project has
been unsuccessful in delivering a socially sustainable settlement as it lacks the necessary
economic opportunities, social infrastructure, amenities and services required to ensure social
sustainability. With regards to the provision of housing opportunities for the poor, the study
recommends government interventions that ensure the delivery of places of employment,
social infrastructure, services and amenities simultaneously as the houses. Literature revealed
that in projects where social infrastructure is provided concurrently with the houses, the social
sustainability of those settlements and communities is ensured.Housing is a basic componentof
the built environment and social development and directly affects the quality of life.
Description
Masters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.