Abstract
Globally, over 1.6 billion people (which equates to over 20% of the world’s population)
lack access to adequate housing and approximately 100 million people are homeless. In
2018, Africa had a backlog of 50 562 000 housing units and, in 2022, South Africa had a
backlog of 2.5 million housing units. The housing backlog in South Africa has been on the
rise despite interventions from the government. This includes changes in housing policy,
increased housing subsidy quantums and the introduction of additional housing
programmes. Additionally, housing delivery in South Africa happens at a slow rate.
During housing construction, the production of large volumes of waste causes harm to
the natural environment. This is concerning considering that the construction industry is
already rated the principal polluting sector due to its emission of about 38% of global
carbon dioxide. This research seeks to evaluate if the adoption of 3DCP in the Gauteng
Province can accelerate housing delivery, mitigate the production of waste during
construction and protect the natural environment from construction harm. The qualitative
research approach was adopted and data collection methods such as desktop research,
interviews and focus group discussions were utilised. A sample size of 30 people was
selected due to the limited availability of people in South Africa who are knowledgeable
about 3DCP technology. The frame of participants consisted of Gauteng-based
government officials and academics/researchers. The results indicated that the housing
backlog is caused by factors such as a long housing value chain, using conventional
methods of construction, and corruption. The results also indicated that the adoption of
3DCP can assist the government in accelerating housing delivery because of its speedy
construction and productivity. However, it cannot reduce the housing allocation backlog
because it can only assist with reducing the construction part of the housing value chain.
3DCP can also reduce construction waste because it uses minimal materials and
produces less waste. It can also protect the natural environment from harm because it
can use recycled materials, which then prevents the overconsumption of natural
resources.
The results suggest that the government should incorporate the technology into the
building regulatory framework, conduct essential market studies, undertake awareness
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campaigns, and establish incentives to encourage the utilisation of the technology by
developers for their housing construction projects. This study also recommends a proper
update of the housing needs register so that it reflects the actual housing backlog. In
resolving the housing backlog, this study suggests that the private sector should also play
a role by offering housing assistance to its employees such as housing subsidies and
short-term loans to build their own houses. To overcome the housing affordability issue,
the study recommends the regulation of the pricing of building materials and professional
services outsourced for housing development projects, such as architecture and
conveyancing. Additionally, the study also recommends that an anti-corruption
mechanism be established to combat corruption. Lastly, the study recommends that
government capacity be increased to expedite the approval of township establishment
applications.
KEY TERMS: Conventional Method of Construction; Innovative Building Technology;
Housing; Sustainable Construction; Three-Dimensional Concrete Printing (3DCP).