GROUP 1 - CAMRABHAT COMMUNITY

Figure 4.05 - Colourful exteriors of formal bungalows.

Figure 4.06 - Illegal extensions to front of bungalows.

The units are comprised of a washing area in the rear, including a toilet, separate wash area and household water storage tank, a kitchen, living and sleeping area and an empty area in the front used for storing scooters and other items. An informal sitting area is created outside so women can sit and participate in the activities happening in the communal courtyards. (Figure 4.12)

Slum dwellings

The slum dwellings are situated in the middle of the site and have been built sporadically over the last 15-20 years. They occupy land that was originally used as green space between the two established housing blocks. They are occupied by diferent groups of residents; a small Muslim community of 2-3 families, a larger group of frst generation Hindus who migrated from Karnataka, and a small group of Goan families. None of the informal settlement occupants pay rent, as they are occupying the governmentowned land.

Figure 4.07 - Informal settlement constructed out of non-durable materials. Figure 4.08 - Communal facilities are built between slum dwellings

The ‘slum’ dwellings are constructed using basic materials such as wooden branches, sheets of corrugated iron and tarpaulins. (Figure 4.07) They have thin corrugated iron roofs with television dishes mounted on top and do not have formal doors. Their construction makes them very vulnerable to adverse weather conditions, and does not provide a great level of privacy. Each dwelling is usually comprised of one room in the form of communal living and sleeping arrangement. The room typically includes a kitchen area against one wall, a sofa, TV and mats on the ground for the family to sleep on. (Figure 4.13) The residents share communal washing rooms that are built into the pathways between the shanties. (Figures 4.08 and 4.09) The interiors of these dwellings are generally attractive and wellmaintained, whilst the physical superstructure itself appears poorly maintained. This leaves them vulnerable to extreme weather events, whilst little efort appears to have been made to make them welcoming and attractive. A lack of investment in the external structure could refect the fact that the families do not have leaseholds (although their properties are tolerated) or the very low pride that the majority of people have in the area. In total, around 500 individuals live in the formal municipal bungalows and the ‘slum’ housing.

Figure 4.09 - Communal washroom facilities.