Consolidating Informal Settlements Through Upgrading? The Temporary Implications of In-Situ Electrification from Thembelihle in Johannesburg, South Africa

Abstract

Providing electricity remains challenging in informal settlements. The relationship between electrification and the physical environment is critical but under-developed. I examine the temporary implications of electrification on the physical environment of Thembelihle in Johannesburg, South Africa. The results indicate that electrification has improved Thembelihle’s physical environment by improving the street grid and strengthened its social cohesion by increasing resource equity. In-situ upgrading could be used to develop settlements in areas unsuitable for residential development. Still, it must be adopted carefully, considering the opposed visions of the residents and local government and the foreseeable future relocation.