Investigating Community-Based Mapping as a Platform for Informal Settlement Residents to Map Spatial Injustices: Opportunity Analysis for Alaska Informal Settlement in Mamelodi

Abstract

Informal settlements usually lack detailed spatial and socio-economic information and are often shown as blank spaces on official maps. This research investigated the potential of community-based mapping to address this issue by allowing residents of the Alaska Informal Settlement in Mamelodi to document and represent their spatial environment. Unlike top-down mapping methods, community mapping leverages local knowledge and is enhanced by technologies such as Global Positioning System, Geographic Information System, and online spatial data. This collaborative method, aided by new spatial information technologies, allows for the development of accurate maps that are relevant to local areas. This research explored how community-based mapping can generate comprehensive geospatial information that better reflects the informal settlement's spatial form. The research aimed to produce up-to-date, accurate geospatial data by involving residents in the primary data collection and mapping processes. The ultimate goal was to provide the community of Alaska Informal Settlement with the tools needed to engage with governmental authorities and address their needs effectively. This study employed a mixed methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative research to explore the challenges faced by residents of the Alaska Informal Settlement in Mamelodi. The qualitative phase involved focus group sessions with the settlement’s leadership and interviews with government officials, which provided insights into the community's needs and the government's mapping tools. The quantitative aspect involved GIS-based mapping, where a base map was created using ArcGIS Pro to guide community leaders in identifying key features of the settlement. GPS coordinates were recorded, and the data was categorised into social, economic, and environmental aspects for spatial analysis. This integrated approach allowed for a comprehensive understanding of the settlement’s infrastructure and spatial patterns, offering valuable insights into its challenges and potential for improvement.

The newly generated maps revealed significant infrastructure deficiencies, including inadequate sanitation, unreliable water supply, poor waste management, limited transportation access, and insufficient educational facilities. These challenges were noted to be further compounded by environmental hazards such as flooding, fire risks, and wildlife threats, severely impacting residents' quality of life. Despite the severe inequalities faced by residents, the local government is constrained in its ability to invest in necessary infrastructure due to the settlement's location within a Green Belt, which is an area set aside to protect nature, where people are not allowed to build or live. Consequently, the research recommends relocating the Alaska Informal Settlement to a more habitable area outside the Green Belt. The current location presents ongoing health, safety, and quality-of-life challenges, making relocation an urgent necessity. This recommendation is primarily justified by the critical health risks associated with inadequate sanitation and water supply, which could be mitigated by relocating to an area with better infrastructure.