High population densities
Gauteng is the most densely populated province in South Africa, with Greater
Johannesburg having the highest population densities within the province, as illustrated
by table ___ . 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 Settlement
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 south western 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
The Inner City of Johannesburg (Hillbrow), is the most densely
populated area in Greater Johannesburg, where overcrowding is common. 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.
