The effect of internal controls on environmental health risks within the informal settlements of Witzenberg, Western Cape Province

Abstract

Informal settlement developments and establishment indicate that there are several reasons why they exist. Informal settlements are now a permanent challenge that exert undesirable effects on the environment. The people and the land which they inhabit in these informal settlements exposes them to environmental hazards. The characteristics of informal settlements are the lack of basic services, pollution, overcrowding and poor waste management. Therefore, these characteristics have a negative influence on the environment, posing danger and vulnerability to health problems, exposing them to the expanding burden of diseases. People living in informal settlements encounter challenges of service delivery. This is primarily because land was inhabited unlawfully and had an adverse effect on the environment. Informal settlements experience a shortage of basic services. This includes inadequate sanitation, which leads to pollution. Also, waste removal is a problem and triggers land pollution and continuous communicable disease risks. The study followed a quantitative research approach. Questionnaires were administered to Witzenberg local municipality officials and residents of the Chris Hani informal settlement. The findings proved the hypothesis as it was found that the lack of internal controls of Witzenberg local municipality do have a negative influence the level of basic service delivery. Section 24 of the Constitution of South Africa provides that everyone has the right to an environment that is not detrimental to their health or wellbeing (South Africa, 1996a). This needs to be implemented within the Chris Hani informal settlement to prevent negative impacts on the environment, which desperately needs the development of change. The lack of internal controls pertaining to service delivery in informal settlements greatly increases the risks and hazards to the health of the residents and the environment.