Officials from the Johannesburg metro, stated
that the infrastructure in Johannesburg can not cope with large amounts of rain. The 200mm
of rain of 8-10 February 2000, caused serious problems to traffic, telephone lines, roads
and traffic lights. The most problems were experienced in areas close to the Jukskei River
and Braamfontein Spruit. The rapid development of the city puts pressure on flood water
drains. A better flood water system is definitely needed (Beeld, 10/02/2000b).
The large and dense population living in Alexandra, have forced many to live
in very close proximity to the Jukskei River. Heavy rains cause a lot of damage, as
happened during the week of 8-11 February, 2000. Over 15 shacks with people's clothing,
beds and livelyhoods were washed down the river. There is however now other place for them
to live and Alexandra is already overpopulated and does not have any space to be enlarged
(Beeld, 10/02/2000a). In the Diepsloot settlement in the NMLC, several shacks were also
destroyed (Beeld 10/02/2000), as well as in Kliptown in Soweto.
Poverty in combination with high population
growth and high density levels impacts negatively on natural resources. The current status
of natural resources in Greater Johannesburg is unknown but the reality of the impact of
population on natural resources should not be discarded and requires urgent
attention. The utilisation of open spaces for dumping and informal settlements is,
however, an important indicator regarding the depletion of natural resources.
High emission levels of gasses, especially
in areas where there is a high utilisation of coal, has a significant impact on local
weather experienced.
The overcrowding of the Inner City with
migrants who are unemployed and thus unable to pay housing rentals leads to a serious
decay of the flats and buildings in the Inner City. The measurements of serious decay
includes accommodation which does not have functioning toilets (7%), electricity (3%),
drains that block regularly (20%), and leaking water pipes (25%). High densities and poor
living conditions with inadequate provision of services, due to urbanisation, contributes
to the poor health status of the area.
The high unemployment rate in Greater
Johannesburg results in high crime rates. Johannesburg is popularly referred to as
the country’s ‘crime capital’ and one of the most violent cities in the
world (ISS Monograph series, February 1998).
The high levels of crime drives people out
of the metropolitan area and threatens business and investor confidence in the economic
heart of the country. The CBD, perceived as the most dangerous part of Johannesburg, is
facing decline as formal businesses leave for the relative safety of the suburbs and
satellite CBD’s. The impact of businesses leaving Johannesburg’s could only mean
less employment opportunities for an increasing urban population, thus creating a cycle of
poverty and crime.
Lack of income results in people not being
able to pay for health and medical facilities, thus increasing health problems.
Income poverty and ill health are therefore closely linked in a vicious downward cycle.
People living in poor housing without access to clean water, sanitation or basic
health facilities are more likely to become sick. These conditions in turn places them
in a worse position when they are unable to work and incur high costs for health care and
medication. Poor health further results in malnutrition and an increase in levels of
mortality.
The fact that 48,6% of the population
within Greater Johannesburg is without any source of income, and 51,8% earn low wages, has
an impact on the affordability of basic needs and services. These people are therefore
unable to pay for services (water, electricity, waste disposal, and housing) provided by
the local authorities.
Levels of fertility are closely related to the
status of women as well as their education level. High levels of decline in fertility
rates are experienced where there is a higher level of education, social upliftment as
well as economic upliftment. Only when these conditions are in place will family planning
be effective.
Most people are only able to obtain
employment in low wage jobs, due to their low education levels. It is for this and other
reasons that they are unable to afford basic needs and services, thereby increasing the
level of poverty. Low education levels result in people being employed in low wage jobs or
not being employed at all. This leads to a lack of basic needs and services, thus
aggravating the poverty.
REFERENCES
Beeld 10/02/2000a: Soek langs rivier na
besittings.
Beeld 10/02/2000b: Infrastruktuur
"hou nie tred met groot reën".
Louw, A.; M. Shaw; L. Camerer & R.
Robertshaw 1998: Crime in Johannesburg: Results of a City Victim Survey. ISS:
Halfway House.
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