Guidelines for services and amenities in developing communities∗

Based on a paper presented at one‐day seminar on Transportation in developing countries’, organised by the Development Bank of Southern Africa on 31 July 1985.

Abstract

Urban development in Southern Africa has reflected western values and standards relating to health, safety, order, amenity, convenience and general welfare, and only incidentally to efficiency and economy. This article describes a project which relates to different value systems, and has different objectives. It highlights the imperatives for change, namely population growth, urbanisation and declining per capita GDP growth. In this milieu, the objective of affordability becomes paramount Standards are related to resources and are based on consultation with the developing community.

The article describes four key elements in the ‘Guidelines for Services and amenities’ being prepared by the CSIR for the Department of Development Aid, namely stormwater management, public transport, road layout and development density. It concludes by cautioning against development policies which deny or misunderstand the economic forces which drive the process of urbanisation.

Notes

Head of Urban Transport Group, National Institute for Transport and Road Research

Based on a paper presented at one‐day seminar on Transportation in developing countries’, organised by the Development Bank of Southern Africa on 31 July 1985.