Millions of Black South Africans still lack access to adequate housing, mainly as a result of apartheid era development policies. The delivery of low income, state subsidised, housing includes the provision of water, sewer drainage and electricity supply services. These services are provided via individual connections to the bulk infrastructure, or grid, supply network. Whilst this delivery mechanism meets community aspirations, it masks the environmental impact of this access to natural resources. This research investigates the low income housing delivery mechanism in South Africa, both past and present, and considers the associated infrastructural service delivery in the context of what is understood as sustainable development. In order to identify a more environmentally sustainable format of service delivery, the notion of autonomous housing is investigated. This investigative research establishes the body of knowledge in respect of rainwater harvesting and renewable energy sources capable of being harvested at a domestic level and uses this knowledge to inductively derive theoretical models for the provision of water and electricity supply as well as sewer drainage to low income housing in the Ethekwini Municipal area. The objective of the research is therefore to propose a more autonomous, or self reliant, system of service delivery that constitutes sustainable development. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu- Natal, Durban, 2004.

Millions of Black South Africans still lack access to adequate housing, mainly as a result of apartheid era development policies. The delivery of low income, state subsidised, housing includes the provision of water, sewer drainage and electricity supply services. These services are provided via individual connections to the bulk infrastructure, or grid, supply network. Whilst this delivery mechanism meets community aspirations, it masks the environmental impact of this access to natural resources. This research investigates the low income housing delivery mechanism in South Africa, both past and present, and considers the associated infrastructural service delivery in the context of what is understood as sustainable development. In order to identify a more environmentally sustainable format of service delivery, the notion of autonomous housing is investigated. This investigative research establishes the body of knowledge in respect of rainwater harvesting and renewable energy sources capable of being harvested at a domestic level and uses this knowledge to inductively derive theoretical models for the provision of water and electricity supply as well as sewer drainage to low income housing in the Ethekwini Municipal area. The objective of the research is therefore to propose a more autonomous, or self reliant, system of service delivery that constitutes sustainable development. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu- Natal, Durban, 2004.

Millions of Black South Africans still lack access to adequate housing, mainly as a result of apartheid era development policies. The delivery of low income, state subsidised, housing includes the provision of water, sewer drainage and electricity supply services. These services are provided via individual connections to the bulk infrastructure, or grid, supply network. Whilst this delivery mechanism meets community aspirations, it masks the environmental impact of this access to natural resources. This research investigates the low income housing delivery mechanism in South Africa, both past and present, and considers the associated infrastructural service delivery in the context of what is understood as sustainable development. In order to identify a more environmentally sustainable format of service delivery, the notion of autonomous housing is investigated. This investigative research establishes the body of knowledge in respect of rainwater harvesting and renewable energy sources capable of being harvested at a domestic level and uses this knowledge to inductively derive theoretical models for the provision of water and electricity supply as well as sewer drainage to low income housing in the Ethekwini Municipal area. The objective of the research is therefore to propose a more autonomous, or self reliant, system of service delivery that constitutes sustainable development. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu- Natal, Durban, 2004.

Millions of Black South Africans still lack access to adequate housing, mainly as a result of apartheid era development policies. The delivery of low income, state subsidised, housing includes the provision of water, sewer drainage and electricity supply services. These services are provided via individual connections to the bulk infrastructure, or grid, supply network. Whilst this delivery mechanism meets community aspirations, it masks the environmental impact of this access to natural resources. This research investigates the low income housing delivery mechanism in South Africa, both past and present, and considers the associated infrastructural service delivery in the context of what is understood as sustainable development. In order to identify a more environmentally sustainable format of service delivery, the notion of autonomous housing is investigated. This investigative research establishes the body of knowledge in respect of rainwater harvesting and renewable energy sources capable of being harvested at a domestic level and uses this knowledge to inductively derive theoretical models for the provision of water and electricity supply as well as sewer drainage to low income housing in the Ethekwini Municipal area. The objective of the research is therefore to propose a more autonomous, or self reliant, system of service delivery that constitutes sustainable development. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu- Natal, Durban, 2004.

This dissertation is based on research undertaken on the role of the housing group savings schemes that provide end-user finance to the poor households to address their housing needs with special reference to South African Homeless People's Federation (SAHPF) at Piesang River outside Durban. The housing conditions inherited by the new Government in South Africa were characterized by backlog. In order for the Government to address housing shortage, housing subsidy assistance was introduced, which only provided the 'starter house', which was not sufficient enough for the poor in terms of size and quality of the house. It was hoped that the traditional financial institutions would come to the party and provide small-scale loans to the poor to incrementally improve the condition of their housing. The poor households have been seen as "unbankable". Basically the study bids to explore and establish the effectiveness of the savings schemes as an intervention in making end-user finance available to the poor households in S.A. to meet their shelter needs. The study revolves wholly around the group housing savings clubs as an intervention for proving housing for the poor. Practice has proved that incremental upgrading of a core unit using incremental finance is more suitable than long-term loans and does not bind the poor into long-term financial agreements. Given the fact that the poor are not willing to subject themselves into long-term financial commitments, consequently, the poor households have initiated financial self-help groups of the likes of ROSCAs, Stokvels, RCAs and ASCRAs as a mechanism to deal with the predicament that they are facing. The study explores the circumstances under which these saving schemes have evolved and the cause of their proliferation, looking at the international and local experiences. The study draws successful lessons from SAHPF of Piesang River about group lending and the possible expansion of its activities to other parts of S.A. Lending groups have the potential to provide affordable credit to the poor and the group members will use peer pressure to encourage repayment. Group lending is capable of making an individual repay that would have easily defaulted under individual lending. The researcher uses the combination of sample survey and case study to argue that the success of SAHPF particularly in making end-user finance available to its members is due to its strong, central focus on savings and loans. Finally the recommendations are that savings for housing purposes should be seen as an appropriate mechanism, to augment the housing subsidy given the fact that formal end-user finance is not forth coming especially to the poor as anticipated. / Thesis (Arch.)-University of Natal, Durban, 2002.

Four municipalities in DuPage County, Illinois were selected for study to determine the effects of zoning on housing that is affordable to low and moderate-income groups, and to suggest possible recommendations to achieve some inclusiveness by providing a wide range of housing options.Though Woodridge, Naperville and Villa Park appear to have made progress in terms of providing housing choices for low and moderate income groups, there exist some limited opportunities to increase affordable housing in these communities. Oak Brook is most exclusionary. It provides no opportunities for low and moderate-income groups that work in that community, even though it is a major employment center. This creates difficulties for entry job seekers and other low groups that want to live in these communities.The recommendations are specifically tailored to each community in terms of what the community could realistically do, in view of the limited land available for development. This study is intended to renew interest in zoning and affordable housing, and lead to zoning reforms in communities in DuPage County, Illinois. / Department of Urban Planning

Thesis (MSc (Consumer Science)--University of Stellenbosch, 2006. / The South African government drafted a national housing policy in 1994. This policy is being implemented in terms of seven strategies. One of the housing strategies is to provide subsidy assistance to low-income groups to enable them to become home owners and improve their quality of life. The delivery of state-subsidised housing will help to reduce the housing backlog and to reach the goal of eradicating informal settlements by 2014. The purpose of this study was to determine the levels of housing satisfaction of residents in state-subsidised housing units.

Thesis (MS en S)--Stellenbosch University, 2001. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: South Africa has moved into a new political era in which all citizens are entitled to equal access to opportunities. Disadvantaged communities are cherishing high expectations of what the future will hold for them. To avoid trade-offs that can lead to the escalation of violence, more efficient management strategies are necessary to restructure the urban environment and address the problems of a rapidly urbanising population. The primary goal of this study is to examine to what extent mixed-use developments can facilitate economic development within low income communities. The results indicate that the planning of mixed-use developments, can create strong, welldefined city structures which will address the current urban deficiencies experienced in metropolitan areas. Mixed-use developments offer a means to integrate those parts of the metropolitan area with no coherent and integrated structure into the larger urban environment. An increase in densities, land use intensification and passing traffic can create the necessary market thresholds to sustain a wide range of economic and social activities and facilities that are typically not found in inwardly turned, peripheral communities. This can increase the standard of living of these communities by improving their access to economic opportunities, providing employment and supporting the fulfilment of their economic and social needs. The informal sector plays an important role in the urban economy. The creation of multi-functional markets within mixed-use development will stimulate groWth and employment creation within the informal sector. The higher economic thresholds and better access to markets and supplies can improve the viability of small -scale informal enterprises. These markets will benefit the local communities by providing a variety of economic activities and services within the same location. The stimulation of economic activity within the low income communities can improve the circulation of money and assist in the prevention of income leakage to other centres. The implementation of mixed-use development has the potential of addressing the problems currently inhibiting economic development of low-income communities. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Suid-Afrika het 'n nuwe politieke era betree, waarin alle burgers op toegang tot gelyke geleenthede geregtig is. Die agtergeblewe gemeenskappe koester hoë verwagtinge vir die nuwe toekoms. Om te verhoed dat uitruiling ly tot 'n toename in geweld, is 'n meer doeltreffende stedelike bestuurstrategieë noodsaaklik om die snelgroeiende bevolking aan te spreek. Die studie het ten doel om die ekonomiese ontwikkelingskapasiteit van gemengde grondgebruiksontwikkeling, te ondersoek. Die gevolgtrekking van die studie is dat gemengde grondgebruiksontwikkeling 'n goed ontwikkelde stadstruktuur tot stand kan bring, waardeur die bestaande tekortkominge van stedelike gebiede aangespreek kan word. Dit bied 'n doeltreffende manier om stedelike gebiede, sonder 'n samehorige en geïntegreerde struktuur, met die groter stedelike gebied te skakel. 'n Toename in digthede, grondgebruiksintensiteit en deurverkeer sal die drempelwaardes, wat nodig is om 'n wye verskeidenheid ekonomiese en sosiale aktiwiteite te ondersteun, skep. Verhoogde toegang tot ekonomiese- en werks geleenthede sal die lewenstandaard van lae- inkomste gemeenskappe verhoog. Die informele sektor speel ook 'n belangrike rol in stedelike ekonomie. Die ontwikkeling van multi-funksionele markte, binne die gemengde grondgebruiksontwikkeling, kan groei en werkskepping binne die informele sektor stimuleer. Hoër drempelwaardes en beter toegang tot markte en voorraad kan die lewensvatbaarheid van informele ondernemings verbeter. Plaaslike gemeenskappe sal voordeel trek uit die toeganklikheid van 'n verskeidenheid ekonomiese aktiwiteite en dienste binne die mark. Die stimulering van ekonomiese aktiwiteite binne lae-inkomste gemeenskappe sal die sirkulasie van geld verbeter en die lekkasie van inkomste na ander sentrums teenwerk. Die implementering van gemengde grondgebruiksontwikkelings het die potensiaal om die probleme, wat die ekonomiese ontwikkeling van lae-inkomste gemeenskappe strem, die hoof te bied.

Thesis (MS en S)--Stellenbosch University, 2002. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The provision of low-cost housing constitutes one of South Africa's biggest challenges. As a result, high density residential development, amid an ever increasing urban population in South Africa, is seen as the answer to address the housing problems by the authorities. The concept of densification presupposes, upon its implementation, the advantages of promoting an integrated urban system, more economical use of land, a better quality of life for the recipients, containing urban sprawl and the protection of the agricultural and natural resources. However, the application of the concept of high density development in low-cost housing has been criticised for failing to fulfil its main objectives which are intended to better the lives of the people. The hypothesis is that the concept of densification may impact negatively on the quality of family living. As a result, the main objective of this study is to seek statistical data which is related to quality of family living and to uncover the views and experiences of household members. To achieve this objective, a questionnaire, interviews and literature-based research method was adopted in this study. In addition, built housing models complemented the questionnaire. Since part of the government's high density development strategy is to expand the existing townships, the Langa township in the Western Province was chosen to conduct the study. The findings of this study revealed that the application of the concept of high density development in Langa has resulted in situations of overcrowding and noise, a lack of privacy, smaller housing structures and erven, a lack of space for children to play and adults to socialise and regular clashes between the residents and the authorities regarding these issues. Therefore, the hypothesis that although densification may have resulted in more housing units being built whilst at the same time impacting negatively on the quality of family living has been proven to be true by this study. However, this study has revealed the fact that although there is nothing inherently wrong with the concept of densification, the problem lies with the manner in which the concept is applied in South Africa. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die voorsiening van laekostebehuising vorm deel van Suid-Afrika se grootste uitdagings. Die resultaat is dat die ontwikkeling van woongebiede met hoë digthede deur die owerhede gesien word as een van die oplossings vir behuisingsprobleme van 'n steeds snelgroeiende stedelike bevolking. Met die toepassing van die konsep van verdigting word daar veronderstel dat die voordele van 'n geintegreerde stedelike stelsel, die ekonomiese gebruik van grond, beter lewensgehalte vir burgers, die beperking van stedelike uitgestrektheid en die beskerming van landbou- en natuurlike hulpbronne, verwesenlik sal word. Die toepassing van die konsep van verdigting in laekostebehuising word egter gekritiseer omdat dit tekortskiet in die primere doelwit wat daarop gemik is om die lewensgehalte van burgers te bevorder. Die hipotese is dat die konsep van verdigting gesinslewe en daarby die lewenskwaliteit van persone negatief kan beinvloed. Die doel van die studie is dus om statistiese data wat verband hou met die gehalte van gesinslewe , in te win ten einde sienswyses en ervarings van gesinne in laekoste woonbuurte te verwoord. Om hierdie doelwit te bereik, is 'n vraelys, onderhoude en 'n literatuurgebaseerde navorsingsmetode gevolg. Bykomende behuisingsmodelle het die vraelys gekomplementeer. Aangesien die regering se verdigtingstrategie vir ontwikkeling ten doel het om bestaande townships uit te brei, is Langa in die Wes-Kaap gekies as studiegebied. Die bevindinge van die studie toon aan dat die implementering van die konsep van die ontwikkeling van hoë digte, laekostebehuising oorbevolking en geraas, 'n gebrek aan privaatheid, kleiner huisstrukture en erwe, 'n gebrek aan speelplek vir kinders en onvoldoende plek vir volwassenes om te sosialiseer, teweeg gebring het - die toestande het tot gereelde botsings tussen die inwoners en owerhede gelei. Die studie bewys dus die hipotese dat hoewel verdigting tot die bou van meer behuisingseenhede gelei het, dit ook 'n negatiewe impak op die gehalte van gesinslewe meegebring het. Die studie bewys dat hoewel daar niks inherent met die konsep van verdigting verkeerd is nie, die probleem Iê in die manier waarop die konsep binne Suid-Afrika toegepas word.

Thesis (MS en S)--Stellenbosch University, 2003. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: In the past, the policy for the provision of low-cost housing was, by and large, ineffective because apartheid planning spatially and economically marginalised the majority. The disenfranchisement of the majority and social engineering denied this majority any access and voice in shaping, or influencing the shape, of their living environment. Today, there are various pieces of legislation that emphasise and highlight the importance of community participation in development planning. The concept of community participation has repeatedly appeared in the literature as an approach that empowers people to take control over their own lives. The involvement of people in all aspects of planning and development programmes that affect them is a fundamental requirement for sustainable development. Satisfying basic human needs in participatory, empowering and sustainable formats is the essence of development. The study is descriptive and issue-orientated, limiting itself to the understanding of the process of community participation and empowerment in low-cost housing. Interviews were conducted with 75 respondents from male- and female-headed households, using a semi-structured questionnaire. The study records how respondents participated in the shaping of their living environments, and the extent to which they were/felt empowered by the housing delivery process. The findings suggest that participation contributed to empowerment, and an overwhelming 91% of the sample were satisfied with their level of involvement in the project. The findings of the study further indicates that, although there had been some effort to involve the community as a whole, as well as individual members in the project, the level of involvement, particularly of individuals, was not satisfactory. Beneficiaries were given information regarding the housing development and were offered opportunities to participate, but their views were not taken into account during the design and implementation phases. The recommendations provide some insights on how low-income housing delivery can be made more participatory, empowering and sustainable. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: In die verlede was die beleid oor lae-kostebehuising oneffektief, omdat apartheidsbeplanning die meerderheid ruimtelik en ekonomies gemarginaliseer het. Die ontburgering en die ruimtelike manipulasie van rasse het die meerderheid enige toegang tot deelname in vorm, of beinvloeding van vorm, van hulle eie omgewing ontsê. Tans bestaan daar 'n verskeidenheid van wetgewing wat klem plaas op gemeenskapsdeelname in ontwikkelingsbeplanning en die belangrikheid daarvan beklemtoon. Die begrip gemeenskapsdeelname het verskeie kere in die literatuur voorgekom as 'n benadering wat mense bemagtig om verantwoordelikheid vir hulle eie lewens te neem. Die betrokkenheid van mense in alle aspekte van beplannings- en ontwikkelingsprogramme wat hulle raak is 'n fundamentele vereiste van volhoubare ontwikkeling. Die bevrediging van basiese menslike behoeftes binne 'n deelnemende, bemagtigende en volhoubare konteks, is die essensie van ontwikkeling. Die studie is beskrywend van aard en konteks qeorienteerd en word beperk tot 'n verstaan van gemeenskapsdeelname en bemagtiging in die voorsiening van laekostebehuising. Onderhoude is met 75 respondente van huishoudings waarvan of 'n man of 'n vrou aan die hoof gestaan het gevoer deur middel van 'n semigestruktureerde vraelys. Die studie meld hoe respondente deelgeneem het in die vorming van hul leef omgewing, en die mate waartoe die respondente bemagtig was/gevoel het deur die behuisings voorsienings proses. Die bevindinge suggereer dat deelname bygedra het tot bemagtiging, en dat 'n indrukwekkende 91% van die steekproef tevrede was met hul deelname aan die projek. Navorsing het verder gevind dat, alhoewel daar pogings aangewend is om die gemeenskap as 'n geheel, en individueel, te betrek, deelname onvoldoende was, veral op individuele vlak. Begunstigdes het inligting in verband met die ontwikkeling ontvang en is die geleentheid gebied om deel te neem, maar hul menings is nie in ag geneem tydens die ontwerp- en beplanningsfases nie. Die aanbevelings verskaf 'n paar insigte oor hoe die voorsiening van lae-koste behuising meer deelnemend, bemagtigend en volhoubaar gemaak kan word.