HIGH POPULATION DENSITIES
Gauteng is the most densely populated province in South Africa, with Greater Johannesburg
having the highest population densities within the province. High population growth and
the lack of adequate housing leads to overcrowding which in turn impacts on infrastructure
and the state of health of a community. Proximity to work opportunities is another factor
influencing the high population densities in the metropolitan area and the development of
informal settlements. Spontaneous responses to the shortage of housing often results in
densely populated informal and/or squatter settlements.
INCREASED DEMAND FOR
INFRASTRUCTURE AND SERVICE DELIVERY
The high rate of population growth as well as of urbanisation in turn exerts tremendous
pressure on the service infrastructure of Greater Johannesburg. The need for improved
waste management is outlined in the waste management chapter.
INCREASE IN INFORMAL SETTLEMENTS
There are currently 65 informal settlements within Greater Johannesburg which receive
varying levels of service delivery and infrastructure. The majority of the urban poor live
within such settlements which are also the site of the highest incidences of diseases and
poor to unacceptable levels of environmental quality. The problems experienced by the poor
in terms of housing are closely linked to the issues of access to employment, land,
infrastructure, and shelter-related services. Unemployment and low levels of
household income have a influence on access to housing and other related services. Most informal settlements are located
on the peripheries of the former black townships. This trend is particularly evident
in the southwestern areas of Greater Johannesburg, particularly around the fringes of
Soweto and Lenasia. The 65 informal settlements in Greater Johannesburg constitute a 36.1%
share of informal settlements in Gauteng. These settlements are found on the urban
periphery where large tracts of publicly owned land are located.
INNER CITY DECAY
Hillbrow, in the Inner City
of Jhb, is the most densely populated area in Greater Johannesburg. The Inner City
requires urgent attention as it impacts negatively on the environment in terms of burst
sewerage pipes, unmanaged waste, unhealthy buildings as well as the health of the
community.
EDUCATION
Disparities in the employment
status of the different population groups, and gender biases, have an effect on the
levels of employment in Greater Johannesburg. The informal sector is created by the
inability of the formal sector to absorb low-skilled labour with low levels of education.
UNEMPLOYMENT
High transport costs, and the lack of access to income generating activities,
in some areas of Greater Johannesburg contribute to the increase in unemployment.
The economic growth rate of the city is unable to keep pace with population growth. The loss
of low-skilled employment opportunities as a result of the decline in the mining and
manufacturing sectors in Greater Johannesburg has further exacerbated the unemployment
situation. The decentralisation of economic development and opportunities to the
north of Johannesburg impacts on the low-income households living in the southern areas of
Johannesburg. Illegal immigrants have also had an influence on employment for
residents of Greater Johannesburg. The total number of illegal immagrants can only
be estimated. |
