A comparative study of socio-economic status and living conditions among residents of Wanaheda formal and Hakahana informal settlements
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Date
2014
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Abstract
The study was a qualitative comparison of the socio-economic factors among the residents of Wanaheda formal settlement and Hakahana informal settlement. The study intended also to find out services that are available in Hakahana and compare them to those found in Wanaheda. The research was located in the interpretive paradigm and it was an exploratory case study of the two settlements. The area involved in this study consisted of a population of 20,000 people. Two hundred participants were selected by the use of random sampling to take part in responding to questionnaires. Thirty individuals where selected by purposive sampling to take part in any interview from those that had completed the questionnaire. The key findings of the research are that there are people from diverse background in Hakahana. It was also observed that individual migrate to Windhoek to seek better employment as well as to seek better education opportunities for their children. Wanaheda had more people using electricity than Hakahana. The level of car ownership and education was higher in Wanaheda than in Hakahana. Both settlements, however engaged in more or less similar economic activities in order to sustain themselves or to supplement work earnings. The research recommends that a holistic approach be taken to address the challenges of informal settlements. The approach must also take into account the different backgrounds of the people living in Hakahana. The challenge would also take a multi-sectorial and participatory dimension if it is to succeed.
Description
A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Public Administration.
Keywords
Living conditions, Socio-economic status