In the last few weeks, inputs on the new Human Settlements White Paper have been invited and discussed in meetings. Short policy statements have been drafted for different sections of the White Paper and then presented to government, NGO, academic and civil society stakeholders. The discussions have been lively and provided useful inputs in refining the statements. My input on social infrastructure and amenities in human settlement, with useful contributions from stakeholders, is outlined below.

Context

Many human settlements have social infrastructure and amenity backlogs. This means that already vulnerable households may not have easy access to facilities like schools, clinics and parks. The lack of local education, health and other social infrastructure can have severe consequences for households, especially for children, and affects future employment prospects and health and well-being. Constrained resources within the Department of Basic Education, Department of Health and local government mean that social infrastructure and amenities in many human settlements cannot be developed wholly by government in the near term and alternative models and partnerships are required.

Policy Recommendations

Human settlement social infrastructure and amenity guidelines will be developed based on the following principles:

• Social infrastructure and amenities will be planned and operated in a collaborative and integrated way between government departments and communities to ensure that safer, healthier and more sustainable environments are developed.
• Minimum social infrastructure and amenity standards for human settlements will be developed in discussion with relevant organisations, such as the Department of Basic and Higher Education, Health, Sports, Art and Culture, Social Development and Small Business Development. Standards will build on existing norms and standards within the relevant departments.
• Minimum standards will include social infrastructure and amenities that support well-being and fitness (like parks, sports fields and running/walking routes), education (like ECD, schools, community colleges, libraries, and evening classes) and health (like clinics, doctors, dentists, pharmacists). Facilities that support improved nutrition and food security (like vegetable and fruit gardens, and fresh produce markets), self-employment and home enterprises (like equipment libraries and markets) and the establishment of small enterprises, such as low-cost rental units, equipment hire, small business support and access to local business opportunities, such as product-as-a-service contracts (see Infrastructure, above) will be included.
• Minimum access standards for social infrastructure and amenities will ensure that these respond to local needs and can be used by everyone, including women, youth, old people, people with disabilities and people with very low incomes. In addition, social infrastructure and amenities will be within walking distance of households along safe routes.
• Municipalities will plan for social infrastructure and amenities in line with minimum standards and include these in Integrated Development Plans (IDPs).  
• Community organisations, cooperatives and entrepreneurs interested in developing social infrastructure and amenities in human settlements will be encouraged. Support will include facilitating links with the Department of Basic Education, Health, Social Development, Municipalities, NGOs and Development Finance Institutions.
• Social infrastructure and amenities will be designed and managed to maximise local benefit. This includes use of multifunctional, shared use models, where facilities such as a hall, or sports facilities, at a school, are used by other organisations, such as an adult education institution and a local football club, when not being used by the school.  
• Cooperation within government, standards and oversight mechanisms will ensure that social infrastructure and amenities meet minimum standards and are safe, accessible, inclusive and affordable.

Photo: Department of Human Settlements

A paper on these area is available here.