The Environmental Implications Of Informal Settlements On The Denizens Of Msholozi, South Africa

The severity and extent of the challenges bedevilling the informal settlements are dissimilar because of the different geographical and contextual settings. Thus, using a common solution to the menace might not work in all contexts, without first, understudying the peculiar challenges of informal settlements within an area. Additionally, since the cause(s) of informal settlements varied considerably within a country and across countries, understanding the triggers relative to specific locations is necessary; to know what went wrong and how this could be remediated. Therefore, this study aims to, not only, evaluate the environmental challenges, but evaluate the triggers of the Msholozi informal settlement in South Africa. Accordingly, data for the study was collected from the residents, municipal officials, Departments of Human Settlements and Public Works officials. Whilst the results of this study have some commonalities with previous works, including, (1) an insalubrious living environment (2) overstretch of existing poor facilities (3) water and air pollution, and (4) block drainages and erosions among others; the triggers are fundamental. Findings imply that both the government and the dwellers are complicit in the development and challenges being faced thereof, in Msholozi. Thus, it is recommended that urgent and honest steps should be taken by concerned parties, toward remediating the menace. The steps should among others include (1) assemblage of stakeholders for a meeting to understand the genesis of the problem; (2) educating all parties on the consequences of their actions to the environment and the inhabitants; (3) promoting agreement among the stakeholders on their roles and responsibilities towards tackling the challenges; (4) taken the census of the residents to aid the government in decision making.