Uhit 7 - Urban Settlement Issues Flashcards

1
Q

Urbanisation

A

Process where the ever-increasing percentage of the total population lives in urban rather than rural settlements.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Why is there an increase in urbanisation?

A

Due to the internal migration from within South Africa and the natural growth of urban populations.

South African urbanisation rates have also increased due to migrants from other African countries.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Urban issues related to rapid urbanisation

A
Lack of planning 
Housing shortages
Overcrowding 
Traffic congestion 
Problems of service provision
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Lack of planning

A

Rapid urbanisation results in many unplanned settlements.

Eg. Informal settlements or building extensions.

New urban developments need to be properly planned and managed.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Housing shortages

A

The growing size of urban populations leads to a shortage of houses, overcrowding and inadequate services.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Overcrowding

A

Cities have high population densities, slums develop and services such as school and hospitals are under pressure. Q

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Traffic congestion

A

Rapid urbanisation has resulted in traffic jams, delays and shortage of parking.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Problems of service provision

A

Growing cities need services like water, electricity, sewerage and refuse removal.

Services providers struggle to meet the growing demand.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What is an informal settlement ?

A

An unplanned residential settlement where people have occupied land illegally and built shacks there.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Backyard shacks

A

Informal dwellings built alongside formal houses.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Informal settlement issues

A
  • shacks are made of corrugated iron, very hot in sumner and cold in winter.
  • settlements are in low lying areas, prone to flooding.
  • unhealthy living conditions
  • poverty and unemployment
  • lack if services, tap and toilets are often outside and far from houses.
  • fires occur frequently, caused by candles and paraffin stoves. They spread rapidly and fire engines cannot gain access as spaces are too small between shacks.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

New towns

A

Settlement planned from the start and built on new sites and include all aspects of development before construction begins.

  • suburbs, roads, land use zones are planned in advance.
  • all socio economic features are integrated (schools, roads)
  • transport systems are planned and functional.
  • all functions are regulated by law
  • new towns are built in poor areas to boost economy.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What do new towns include?

A

Garden cities and greenbelt towns.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What are new towns intended for?

A
  • to limit the growth problems of large cities.
  • stimulate economic growth.
  • provide housing for growing urban populations.
  • help decentralize urban populations.
  • lessen overcrowding.
  • decrease pressure on limited city resources.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Self-help cities

A

Communities initiate a self help approach when local authorities or central governments fail to improve the quality of life of inhabitants.

  • habitat for humanity, helps inhabitants become skilled in the building trade.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Future urban settlements

A

Settlements need to be more sustainable:

  • recycling urban waste
  • plant more trees, create parks and greenbelts
  • use cleaner fuels and energy sources
  • manage use of urban water
  • establish food gardens, grow vegetables
  • use environmentally friendly building materials
16
Q

Green belt

A

A feature of modern towns and city planning that sees a stretch of land being left undeveloped so as to act as a barrier against uncontrolled spread of the built-up area.

17
Q

New towns are characterised by the following planning goals:

A
  • open spaces and green areas are incorporated into design.
  • roads, suburbs, land and parks are designed as a whole and not left to develop at different times.
  • physical, economic and social aspects are integrated.
  • wide streets lined with trees, traffic circles, street grids and transport networks are planned to be attractive.
  • some are large dormitory satellite towns, no function other than residential.