De- densification: Rethinking De-densification in the response to COVID-19

The South African (SA) National Department of Human Settlements (NDHS) has always responded to high population, homelessness, poverty, expensive and scarce land with the policies that govern and support the provision of housing with high density policies. However, the Department is now re-thinking the provision of housing by de-densifying as a measure to tackle COVID- 19. Concerns are regarding devasting implications on vulnerable communities, livelihoods, the health sector, economy and the state at large. The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the risk and severity of living conditions in informal settlements, which have always threatened the health, dignity and safety of residents. The implications of these living conditions during an outbreak present an imminent life and death situation. The protocol for slowing down the spread of the virus- hand hygiene, social distancing and behaviour change are very challenging in areas where there is lack of clean water, overcrowding and inadequate shelter. The NDHS managed to provide basic services and informal settlements at a pace never witnessed before. However, there are concerns with de-densification by NDHS. High density also creates challenges to the provision of basic and emergency services in informal settlements. High density (resulting in overcrowding) has been identified as a high risk contagion & also creates challenges to the provision of basic and emergency services in informal settlements. Furthermore, it has been acknowledged that in specific contexts or conditions, de-densification may be possible & necessary. Part of the process would include consent, process of deep facilitation, well located and serviced land, minimal disruption of peoples lives & livelihoods. In addition, major concern includes caution against making de-densification a central thrust of human settlements. Concerns from informal settlement communities & Non Governmental Organisations’s include: social, political, economic & technical impacts of de-densification and the disruption it is likely to cause.