The acceptability of concrete block construction in low cost housing in the Cape Peninsula

Abstract

This article presents the findings of a research project examining the acceptabil­ity of concrete block construction for low cost housing in the Cape Peninsula in terms of materials and execution. Data were collected by means of a question­naire survey in which residents of low cost housing were interviewed. In addition, personal and telephonic interviews were conducted with key stakeholders from the construction industry involved in the delivery of low cost housing. The findings indicate that concrete block construction is being used extensively for low cost housing developments in the Cape Peninsula, owing to its defining characteristics such as ease of construction, affordability, durability, speedy delivery and acceptance. End-users are generally satisfied with the construction material used for the wall structure of their current houses. They are, however, dissatisfied with the workmanship of the construction, as they feel that problems such as cracking and damp have arisen because of hurried and incomplete construction. The end­users are aware that the wall structures are not plastered, but only bagged. Even without any formal or technical knowledge of building houses, they state that they should be involved in the planning and construction stages of their new homes with regard to funding and appearance in order to make these homes more affordable and acceptable. Despite a lack of technical knowledge of concrete technology, the respondents felt that the concrete block was the· most accept­able form of construction material available for wall structures because of its per­ceived strength and durability.