Environmental problems among low income urban residents: an empirical analysis of old Naledi-Gaborone, Botswana

Abstract

This study investigates the profile, dynamics and dimensions ofenvironm ental problems at Old Naledi, a low income urban neighbourhood in Gaborone, the capital city ofBotsw ana. It is based on documentary and field research. The field research has a participatory component involving meetings, discussions and open- ended interviews with the interested and affected persons. It also involves the administration of a structured survey questionnaire to 171 resident respondents. The main findings ofthe study are that residents have made great efforts in improving the availability of the housing stock. However, in the process they have failed to abide by the stipulated Development Control code and Urban Development Standards. This essentially reflects the increasing non-affordability of land and costs of construction materials to urban low income groups due to evolving state policy in the provisioning ofshelt er. The direct result has been a congested, overcrowded settlement. Because ofthis , and a rapidly increasing population, there has been underservicing and the emergence oflif e-threatening home and neighbourhood environmental problems.