Developing Green Infrastructure in a Johannesburg Informal Settlement: Investigating Residents' Willingness to Pay

Green spaces in relation to low-income informal settlements are critical to sustainable and equitable urban futures. This paper considers the development of green spaces in an informal settlement in Johannesburg, South Africa. It reports a survey investigating the residents' willingness to pay for the development and use of four relevant components of green infrastructure in the informal settlement. I find out who is willing to pay and how much, if the green spaces are delivered by the state (municipality) as well as non-municipal agents. The survey points to possible areas of innovation on green space development in relation to the urban poor in informal settlements. Consideration of socio-economic equity and inclusion, rights and responsibilities will nevertheless need to accompany the residents' preference.