Abstract
Purpose: The principal argument in this research is based on the fact that
statistical data are very necessary for the formulation of policy and planning
to target informal settlement challenge. Quantitative data is increasing
being used for planning issues such as access to housing, health, socioeconomic
activities and infrastructural provision.
Problem of investigation: Research has shown that Informal settlement
varies greatly in their sizes and by providing information on how many
settlements are informal and formal, how many men and women are
residing in informal settlements, what is the total number of infrastructures
and socio-economic needs such as access to jobs, clinics, education
facilities and open space, planners will be guided and equipped to adjust or
improve policies towards these vulnerable group of urban residents. The
question that will be answered is: To what extent can the collation of
quantitative data on informal settlement assist planners and policy makers
in the policy making process in relation to informal settlements in South
Africa?
Design/Methodology/Approach: This investigation was based on
primary and secondary data with great emphasis on the analysis of Census
1996 and 2001 as well as Community Survey of 2009. The study used
Geographic Information Systems data. These findings were contextualise in
Johannesburg as a case study because this happens to be one of the
municipalities with high rate of urbanization and attendant housing
shortages. The sporadic increase in the number of households living in
Informal Settlement cannot continue to be neglected or unabated without
accurate data for monitoring and evaluation.
Findings: This investigation found out that data on informal settlement can
help to mitigate service delivery protests and resistance to relocation that is
being witnessed.