Special report: A closer look at Durban's Clare Estate's informal settlements
South Africa has a huge housing backlog.
Earlier this month, Human Settlements Minister Lindiwe Sisulu remarked that 1,8 million people still live in informal settlements, even though four million people have been assisted with housing opportunities in the past twenty years.
Rapid urbanisation continues to thwart government efforts to make sufficient headway. In some areas like Clare Estate in Durban, its a huge problem.
Authorities say more than 20 informal settlements have been set up illegally in the past years.
If you drive through the area, you will see people at work adding to the existing tally of shacks.
Locals say they’ve gotten used to cable theft in the area, and live with constant blackouts. Residents also say there’s been a spike in crime, and that they now live in fear.
Some have now taken the decision to move out of the area, after spending a great part of their lives here.
This is what they’ve told ECR NEWSWATCH.
(Photos: Chanelle Lutchman)