In recent years I have developed a keen interest in development studies, because I think this field will bring me closer to understanding the complex challenges we face as a country. It is gratifying to note as well that the climate change discourse is seeking to incorporate almost all areas of development. Conditions on the ground however can be quite enriching.
This is the rainy season in Johannesburg, that means flash floods can be expected. Yesterday we visited various areas of Jhb where it is known that flash flooding poses serious risk to livehoods. Of the places we visited Denver stands out because it is a squatter camp. It is situated next to Denver Men’s hostel. This squatter camp is built on an area that used to have factories. A concrete water channel was built in this area to direct water when the factories were still in operation. The situation has changed dramatically; the factories are no longer there and the channel is now used as a rubbish dump, so that during strong rains water cannot move freely and then flooding results. We were all appalled to the level of disgust to see the squalid conditions under which these squatters live. Because rubbish is strewn along this channel, rats have developed in such numbers that stories of them having killed an infant and feeding on a old woman who died in her loneliness were told to us. The stoicism that characterized how these squatters described their condition was sobering, but saddening in equal measure.
There are so many Denvers out there that need urgent attention. Of course the challenges are quite huge, but I somehow don't get the sense that we recognize and appreciate the hardship under which our people live. If we do then I think we have been afflicted by a huge dose of denialism or indifference.
This is the rainy season in Johannesburg, that means flash floods can be expected. Yesterday we visited various areas of Jhb where it is known that flash flooding poses serious risk to livehoods. Of the places we visited Denver stands out because it is a squatter camp. It is situated next to Denver Men’s hostel. This squatter camp is built on an area that used to have factories. A concrete water channel was built in this area to direct water when the factories were still in operation. The situation has changed dramatically; the factories are no longer there and the channel is now used as a rubbish dump, so that during strong rains water cannot move freely and then flooding results. We were all appalled to the level of disgust to see the squalid conditions under which these squatters live. Because rubbish is strewn along this channel, rats have developed in such numbers that stories of them having killed an infant and feeding on a old woman who died in her loneliness were told to us. The stoicism that characterized how these squatters described their condition was sobering, but saddening in equal measure.
There are so many Denvers out there that need urgent attention. Of course the challenges are quite huge, but I somehow don't get the sense that we recognize and appreciate the hardship under which our people live. If we do then I think we have been afflicted by a huge dose of denialism or indifference.
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