Abstract
Informal settlements are homes to millions of people
in and around the world, particularly in developing countries. The
purpose of this study is to assess the problems and challenges facing
the upgrading of informal settlements and also to investigate the
potential remedies for these challenges, with the aim of reducing or
formalizing these settlements in the Gauteng Province, as it has
become a reality of the present day. The data used in this study was
derived from both primary and secondary sources. The primary data
in this paper was collected through the use of a 50 structure
structured questionnaire to officials of the Department of Human
Settlement in the Gauteng province. From the 50 questionnaire sent
out, 33 were received representing a 66% overall respond rate. The
Data received from the questionnaires was analysed using descriptive
statistics procedures. The secondary data used in this study was
obtained through a comprehensive review of related literature.
Findings from the study revealed that there are a number of problems
and challenges facing the upgrading of informal settlements in the
Gauteng Province. Paramount amongst these are: funding constraints,
limited capacity and human resource constraints, scarcity of well located
developable land and slow decision making as a result of
bureaucratic influence. Further findings revealed that adequate
planning procedures, faster and more streamlined development
planning approvals, and the strengthening of inter-departmental
Relations are effective ways to remedy the challenges and problems
facing the upgrading of informal settlements. This study contributes
to the body of knowledge on the subject of the problems and
challenges facing informal settlement upgrading in Gauteng, South
Africa.