Expressions of responsibility for disasters within vulnerable communities - the case of Fisantekraal

Abstract: A field study was conducted in Fisantekraal, one of 20 high-risk communities in Cape Town, home to both a formal part consisting of low-cost government housing and an informal settlement. People in Fisantekraal are exposed to several different types of hazards and have problems with reoccurring disasters, especially in the informal settlement. Face-to-face interviews with people living in the two parts shows that people consider the responsibility to be shared between the government, community leaders and the civil society. Opinions about the importance of involving the community leaders are especially expressed in the informal settlement. A desire that the government should take more responsibility is also expressed; people are discontent with the high amount of responsibility they have in the current situation. The opinions are in general similar between different subgroups within the community. The elderly do however have a higher confidence in the government and are more satisfied with how disastrous events are handled compared to younger people. People in the formal part and the informal settlement share similar opinions, despite the differences in ulnerability towards disasters.