The creation of disaster risk through residential developments : a case study

This study examines the extent of integration of Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) into urban development planning processes, the barriers and challenges to integration, as well as potential opportunities. Two case studies were used: Sedgefield, which falls within the jurisdiction of the Knysna Municipality and The Island Great-Brak under the Mossel Bay Municipality. Qualitative semi-structured interviews were administered with planners, disaster management officials, and developers in the respective municipalities to investigate the extent of integration of DRR into development planning processes - this allowed for a comparative analysis. Moreover, a spatial analysis was conducted to determine land use changes in Sedgefield and flood risk exposure in both the case studies. The findings indicated that while DRR was integrated into urban development planning to a certain extent at the Mossel Bay Municipality, there was limited to no integration of DRR at the Knysna Municipality. Further, the study highlighted several barriers that impede effective DRR integration into development planning such as inadequate availability of risk information and risk knowledge and sharing, limited local government capacity to facilitate integration, insufficient institutional and governance mechanisms, and fragmented planning and coordination efforts. Both urban planners and disaster management officials recognised spatial planning and land use management processes as critical areas where DRR could be more effectively integrated. These domains are essential for addressing the spatial aspects of development and can serve as valuable tools for risk avoidance and managing multiple hazards.

Grantor dc:publisher

Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University

Year dc:date.issued

2026

Author dc:creator

• Luthango, Lonwabo

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Pharoah, Robyn

Language dc:language.iso

en

Repository record dc:identifier.uri

https://scholar.sun.ac.za/handle/10019.1/136278

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:scholar.sun.ac.za:10019.1/136278