SEAP - Human Settlements, Urbanisation and Environmental Health Working Group

1.0. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background

A clean, protected and healthy environment is essential for the livelihood of a nation. Swaziland, although one of the smallest countries of the World, has one of the highest population growths (3.4% per annum) according to the 1986 census report. According to the same report, the country experiences a fast rate of urbanization - over 4.5% per annum. This results in an increase in the proportion of urban population, without necessarily any increase in job opportunities. As a result, the number of low income people increase, resulting in the growth of unplanned settlements (slums). The sanitation of such areas and the quality of life of the inhabitants is adversely affected.

1.2 Major goal

To ensure that human settlements, urbanization and environmental health facilities provide the maximum opportunities for human development to all citizens of Swaziland, especially the marginalized and disadvantaged, thereby contributing to the achievement of economic development goals.

1.3 Objective

The objective of this paper is to highlight the impact that human settlement patterns have on the environment and on the quality of life of the people. Issues to be covered under this umbrella include settlement patterns, physical planning, sewage, sanitation, solid waste management and pollution. The paper also tries to give qualitative and quantitative information on the different issues. Current policies, strategies, institutional and legal framework are also reviewed. The priority environmental problems are then identified. Most importantly, the paper makes suggestions for possible solutions to the identified problems.