Human settlements describe where people live, and include both rural and urban communities. Patterns of human settlement are influenced by economic, social and political forces. In South Africa, the policies of apartheid are still evident in settlement patterns, as demonstrated by the considerable disparities between the former homeland areas and the former Republic of South Africa. Disparities are most often evident in rural areas where there is often a distinct lack of services. Low levels of development and economic activity are prevalent in the Eastern Cape.

Service provision

It is a priority to ensure that the basic needs of every South African are met, including through the provision of basic services. Basic services include water, sanitation, refuse removal, health services, education, housing and infrastructure. The indicators selected to reflect this issue are:

• Level of service provision (water, sanitation, waste and telephones); and
• Available landfill lifespan.

Housing

Increased pressure on housing is being experienced in the more urban municipalities. The rate of housing delivery must surpass the rate at which people move into an area if the housing deficit is to be relieved. The demand for housing can be demonstrated in a number of ways. In this report, it is reflected through the following indicators:

• Trends in housing type;
• Average number of rooms per house; and
• Average number of people per house.

Population growth

Shifts in population structure and distribution provide information on the responses that may be required to relieve population pressures on the environment. This allows areas to be identified where there may be the greatest need for the provision of basic services, as an example. The indicator is:

• Trend in population distribution and structure.