Laying the Foundation for a Resilient Partnership: Innovative Upgrading in the Informal Settlement of Langrug

Current Project Status: Field Work Complete

Abstract:

The upgrading of informal settlements in South Africa is a vital yet challenging process requiring persistent multi-stakeholder involvement. The goal of this project was to strengthen the partnership between the informal community of Langrug, the Municipality of Stellenbosch, and various NGO’s through innovative, community-driven upgrading projects. Through intensive collaboration, we assisted with initial reblocking efforts, finalised designs and plans for the implementation of a community centre, improved upon current greywater management processes, and designed and began construction of an innovative, communal Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WaSH) facility. These projects strengthened community capacity and exemplified the benefits that meaningful partnerships can bring to South Africa’s poorest communities.

For a brief introduction to Langrug, see the Welcome to Langrug page.

To read our preliminary research, read our Background Research page.

To learn about the people we worked with as well as our team, see the Cast of Characters page.

For detailed information about our project work, see our Primary Project Focuses page.

To read about our daily experiences and reflections while in Langrug, read our Acts and Scenes.