Focus Group Interview (8 May 2024)
- CBPM Unilag
- Dec 15, 2024
- 1 min read
Date: 8 May 2024
Location: University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
Research Investigation
The UCT team conducted a focus group interview with local builders in Khayelitsha to gather insights for the Innovative Solutions for Affordable Housing Symposium. The discussion shed light on the adaptive strategies and challenges faced in informal housing construction.
Challenges Highlighted
Local builders reported several challenges:
Limited access to transportation and building materials.
Labor coordination issues.
Frequent customer complaints regarding workmanship, project delays, and dishonesty.
Customer Profiles
Slum Village Customers: Require permanent structures with foundations.
Backyard Customers: Need temporary, movable shacks without foundations.
Construction Types and Processes
Informal dwellings are built as either:
Permanent Structures: On-site builds with foundations.
Temporary Structures: Prefabricated, movable, and assembled on-site.
The construction process typically takes one to three days, using timber and metallic sheets. Most builders acquire skills through observation and experience, underscoring the need for professional training in construction techniques and power tool usage.
Insights on ABTs and Financial Constraints
Builders expressed interest in ABTs, provided they deliver resilience and affordability. However, they noted a paradox: while they possess technical skills, customer demand leans toward inexpensive, less durable structures.
Conclusions
The report emphasized the importance of innovation and collaboration in informal housing construction. Recommendations included:
Training on proper construction methods.
Access to protective equipment and power tools.
Promoting awareness about the benefits of permanent, resilient structures made with formal materials.
Additional details are provided in the following report.
Snapshots of Focus Group Interview
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