Challenges posed by urbanisation for sustainable human settlements provisions: the case of Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality

Abstract

This dissertation investigated challenges posed by urbanisation for sustainable human settlement provisions, with Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality being a case in point. Applying the systems thinking, this study proves the correlation between sustainable human settlements and urbanisation in Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality in the Free State. Essentially therefore, the study proves that unplanned or uncontrollable urbanisation can pose challenges to the provision of sustainable human settlements in Mangaung. Sustainable human settlements in this instance denoting the some total aspects contributing to sustainable living, such as housing, provision of services and concomitant developmental considerations.

In proving the above statement, the study applied a qualitative study approaches, using the case study method to dissect this phenomenon for Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality in the Free State Province, South Africa as a case in point. The interviews conducted proved that indeed, there is such correlation as the respondents reflected on how various aspects of sustainable human settlements are impacted by unplanned urbanisation in the Metro.

The study proved how unplanned urbanisation puts both the city’s resources and the broader environment under pressure. Services such as the provision of water and waste removal, amenities such as roads and the environment broadly are impacted if urbanisation is planned or not sufficiently provided for. The correlation is proven through systems thinking, ie Situation as is, Situation as will be if not altered and situation as it should be. A model to address the situation as it should be comes out as the final recommendation of the study.