Abstract
This essay will argue the current RDP (Reconstruction and Development Programme) in relation to sustainable solutions. This housing system, offered by the South African government, was created after the Apartheid era in 1994. This system of property rollouts for homeless and impoverished individuals has had its successes and downfalls. The aim is that the research will reveal current solutions in comparison with the validity of sustainable approaches. It is not the intention or dismissal of the current legislation that this paper aims to challenge the RDP system. Still, the improvement and sustainable futures for individuals in South Africa will benefit from the assessment of sustainable solutions. Understanding RDP structures, processes, and purpose will explain a sturdy case for sustainable solutions using shipping containers as housing solutions.
The objective is that, creating a ‘make line’ process of RDP houses using shipping containers to improve cost, sustainability, comfort, and availability.
Keywords: RDP, housing, shipping containers
Introduction
Across South Africa, in urban and informal housing settlements, it is evident that the environment is a nation of homeowners. According to the Nelson Mandela Foundation, 80% of South Africans live in owned dwellings. The remainder of the population lives in informal housing settlements in the outskirts of cities. Many of these residents continue to live in poverty, with the patience of awaiting an RDP house. However, a more efficient system is required to fill the backlog of homes needed for the homeless citizens of South Africa. The constitution protects citizens and gives access to adequate housing. “…those living in extreme conditions of poverty, homelessness or intolerable housing – should be given priority access to housing” (Almar, 2021).
Sustainable solutions (Shipping Containers)
To challenge an existing process or plan, one must have informed research about existing ethos, objectives, and principles. Thus far, an understanding and context of RDP houses in South Africa are attained to further argue that the developed process can be improved by means of sustainable solutions. The political and economic philosophy currently underlining the RDP framework is intended to: Integrate sustainable programme, have a people-driven process, peace and security for all, nation-building, linking reconstruction and development, and democratization of society. (Nokulunga, Didi, & Clinton, 2018)
Shipping containers as a concept for the built environment is an innovative construction method/material that is being used in residential construction. Qatar is utilizing shipping containers for their 2022 world cup project. (Almar, 2021) As with any building material, when used in a bulk amount, the function of the built result is worth the expenditure.
Student housing in Brixton Umhlanga Junction is a colourful block of 75 single unit pads that were erected in two months and used single containers of 12m as a series of modules stacked upon each other. To disguise the vertical planes of a corrugated container, cladding materials can be added to the structures for a modern appeal.
As with student housing, RDP houses could make use of containers that will enforce shared living spaces. Ablution blocks are a service offered by the government to existing RDP settlements; shared spaces such as dining and recreational areas can benefit the square metre issue current residents are experiencing. By using shared spaces, allocated shipping container pads/modules could be used for bedrooms, bathrooms, and kitchens.
Conclusion
Challenges involving current RDP buildings were: room size is too tiny, ventilation and site-specific locations caused health hazards, house owners renting out their RDP house and living in squatter camps, poor workmanship, and no people's involvement of society in decision making and design. The argument is not to dismiss current legislation; the development programme is a positive initiative. However, focusing on quantity over quality has resulted in poor execution and a significant backlog on RDP construction. Alternative building technologies such as shipping containers for the built environment create a platform of new beginnings and design.
When mass-produced and implemented, job-creating can stay at the same accumulative rate as on-site construction employment. Containers are fabricated in factories and are delivered to rural or urban sites as completed mobile homes. Since applicants receive title deeds of such structures, they can decide, at their own cost, to relocate to different provinces because of the flexibility of container construction.
Stakeholder evolvement is key when design processes are discussed to meet the needs of the end-user, previously disadvantaged citizens of South Africa.
References
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