1. CHALLENGES OF
FIRE AND FLOODS IN
HUMAN SETTLEMENTS By
Department of Housing
(National)

2. INTRODUCTION
Contextualize the issue and provide the nuts and bolts, Raise issues for consideration
International experience :
communities in informal settlements are vulnerable to
environmental hazards
nature and location of the settlement
external threats from outside the settlement
Local governments :
more aware of the environmental risks
required to respond and mobilise their resources to assist such communities.

3. INTRODUCTION
Are urban policies are well designed enough to prevent disasters
Are adequate mechanisms in place to respond to disasters
Can sufficient resources be mobilised for post-disaster reconstruction.
Criterion for assessing disaster preparedness and responses by local authorities (DFID report, 2000) :
Are the ‘livelihoods’ of affected communities :
satisfactorily understood
supported
enhanced in the aftermath of disasters,
whether current conditions suggest that more sustainable settlements are being produced

4. Background Rural Urban 41.83% 59.17% Total population
(96-01)
population
growth
2.09% p.a.
household
rate 4.7% p.a.
household size
reduced 4.5 to 4
’96 to ‘01
Rural
41.83%
Urban
59.17%

5. Key Elements for Sustainable Human Settlements
Rural
Economy
Space
Informal
Formal
Urban
Governance
Environment

6. Urban: 59% Rural Areas 41.83% 30% new hh formulation 1.45 m – 1.84m hh
Informal settlements
Rural
Areas
41.83%
Informal
freestanding
Backyard
Urbanisation Rate 65%
Urbanisation Rate 65%
Urbanisation Rate 65%
30% new hh
formulation
Urbanisation Rate 65%

7. VULNERABILITY IN INFORMAL SETTLEMENTS
Over 12% of households living in freestanding informal housing :
most often located on the periphery of cities
experience the risks associated with
lack of services
inappropriate land for
Location
steep slopes (Inanda, Durban),
flood planes (Alexandra, Johannesburg),
close to mine dumps (East Rand, near Johannesburg),
close to heavy industrial areas (Wentworth, Durban),
landfill sites settlement.

8. VULNERABILITY TO DISASTER
Nature of the settlement
materials utilised to build structure
prone to rapidly spreading fire (Cape Town, JHB etc)
collapsing structures.
health risks (rising damp, poor indoor air quality)
Weather factors
Living conditions

11. 45 000 fires as a result of paraffin cause between 2500 – 3000 deaths pa
SA hh use more than 7000m litres of paraffin for cooking, lighting and
heating every year (SA Survey 03/04)

12. Pre and Post Pre .. Complex, Post .. Responsive Post facto
Addressing Disasters …
Pre and Post
Pre .. Complex,
Post ..
Responsive
Post facto

13. Addressing Disasters … Pre disaster
* Inter-departmental collaboration – holistic approach
- Relevant policies
- Early warning systems for preparedness
- Accidents in the home and settlements
- Capacity Building
* Relevant legislation and systems to get buy-in from stakeholders
* Address housing, economic and social issues
* Education to communities

14. Addressing Disasters …Post
Emergency Housing Policy
Floods
2000 Limpopo, North West, and Mpumalanga
2001 floods in the Western Cape
Constitutional Court verdict in Irene Grootboom Case
Many persons in dangerous living conditions
Informal Housing Policy
Informal settlements
In situ upgrading
Access for Emergency vehicles
Basic services, water, lighting, sanitation
Inter - Ministerial Committee

15. ISSUES TO BE CONSIDERED
Responses of the authorities before and when disaster strikes
How do we improve disaster awareness and preparedness?
Planning and development arms of government to combine with Departments responsible for disaster management
Need change in thinking around human settlement planning and design
Responses to disasters and management of risks must consider good planning for sustainable development
Official responses must place people in a stronger socio-economic position
Disaster risk management and inter-departmental collaboration

16. Breaking New Ground - Sustainable Human Settlement
Social facilities and amenities
Housing
Safety
Economic opportunities
Viable communities
Need to Plan for Sustainable Human Settlements

17. Summary of Emergency Housing Policy
* Temporary assistance except where formal
houses are to be repaired/reconstructed
* Is limited to essentials
* National Norms and standards will not apply
* Will augment disaster initiatives
* Not an alternative for normal projects
* Will accommodate wide range of beneficiaries
* Should be initial phase for permanent solution

18. Summary of Emergency Housing Policy
* Can be used where people become homeless due to situations beyond their control
(floods, fires, storms, earthquakes, sinkholes,
industrial incidents)
* Live in dangerous conditions
eg. below flood lines, on dolomite, undermined land etc

19. Summary of Emergency Housing Policy
Also applicable to persons who :
Live in way of services
Are evicted or threatened by eviction
Whose houses are to be demolished
Are displaced due to conflict or unrest
Live in life threatening conditions
In exceptional housing need and emergency

20. Summary of Emergency Housing Policy
Permanent housing solution approach should always be
first option
Application of programme :
- Repair
- Reconstruction on existing area
- Reconstruction in new area with services
- Provision of am Emergency Housing unit

21. Summary of Emergency Housing Policy
Qualification Criteria
- The normal subsidy criteria will not apply
- Income may exceed R3 500,00 pm
- Non Citizens
- Minor headed households
- Singles
- Non first time owners
- Previous beneficiaries

22. Thank you