Abstract
M.Phil.
In order for developers to provide reasonable engineering services as well as a liveable
dwelling unit within the existing housing subsidy, a substantial increase in residential
density is required. Increased urban densities will decrease engineering services costs
due to a greater sharing ability. This study was undertaken in order to quantify the
benefits of urban densification on engineering services.
The financial problems of Local Authorities in South Africa due to the entrenched culture
of non-payment for services, is causing a rapid decline in the sustainability of engineering
services due also to low, or non-existent maintenance.
The "housing" currently delivered, its nature and continued sustainability are being
severely criticized. Few differences exist between the housing currently being delivered
and those provided under the previous government. Houses are provided in areas on
affordable land normally far from the work place. The type of housing being constructed
consists mostly of the single storey, free standing units on separate erven. These types of
developments encourage urban sprawl, require very expensive engineering services and
discourage the establishment of an economic public transport system.
Possible solutions to the workforce/job opportunity problem include mixed land use and
residential densification.