Disasters recovery and rehabilitation in informal settlements: the role of fourth industrial revolution technologies

Abstract

Fourth industrial revolution (4IR) technology has been proved a disaster management strategy. The technique may improve post-disaster recovery and rehabilitation regarding delivering goods and services to affected communities. There is a paucity of literature regarding 4IR usage in enhancing post-disaster recovery and rehabilitating informal settlements in South Africa. Thus, this study provides a collective insight into pre- and post-disaster reconstruction issues and the role of 4IR technologies. A qualitative research design through a face-to-face approach and three case studies were used to collect data. For the interview section, 17 participants were engaged via semi-structured interviews in Johannesburg, South Africa. Findings show that 4IR technology is germane in the 21st-century era and relevant in post-disaster recovery and rehabilitation in informal settlements. Inadequate resources (finance and workforce), damage to major infrastructure systems, absence of a comprehensive supply chain during these periods, lax implementation of post-recovery and rehabilitation for the affected communities, and lax enforcement of planning policies and practices by the government emerged as factors hindering post recovery and rehabilitation. This study will contribute to informing policymakers to develop a platform for monitoring and implementing 4IR technologies in planning existing and future infrastructure delivery in South Africa.