Neftaly Digital Tools for Mapping and Addressing Safety Hazards in Informal Settlements
Overview
Informal settlements often face persistent safety hazards due to inadequate infrastructure, limited service delivery, and lack of reliable data. Neftaly’s innovative digital tools are designed to bridge this gap by empowering communities, local authorities, and civil society organizations to identify, map, and address these hazards in real-time.
Our technology-driven approach combines mobile data collection, GIS mapping, and community engagement to improve safety, resilience, and quality of life in vulnerable urban areas.
Key Features
???? Community-Led Hazard Mapping
Neftaly’s mobile-friendly platform enables residents to report safety concerns—such as open electrical wires, unlit pathways, flooding risks, or unsafe structures—directly from their mobile phones. This participatory method ensures that data is locally relevant and timely.
???? Geospatial Visualization
Hazards reported through the platform are geotagged and displayed on an interactive digital map. This allows stakeholders to visualize risk hotspots, track recurring issues, and prioritize interventions effectively.
???? Customizable Risk Categories
The tool allows for the categorization of safety hazards across various domains:
- Environmental risks (e.g. erosion, standing water)
- Structural risks (e.g. collapsing buildings, unsafe stairways)
- Public health threats (e.g. waste accumulation, blocked drains)
- Crime-prone areas (e.g. poorly lit spaces, abandoned lots)
???? Real-Time Reporting and Alerts
Users receive alerts when hazards are reported near their location, and community leaders or municipal officials are notified of urgent issues. This accelerates response time and promotes accountability.
???? Data Dashboards and Analytics
Local authorities and NGOs can access dashboards with detailed analytics, trends, and hazard density maps to guide strategic planning, resource allocation, and advocacy efforts.
Impact
By integrating digital mapping with grassroots reporting, Neftaly enables:
- Informed decision-making for local governments and service providers
- Empowerment of residents to participate in improving their environments
- Reduction of preventable accidents and increased community safety
- Improved collaboration between stakeholders addressing urban challenges
Case Study Snapshot: Khayelitsha, Cape Town
In a pilot project in Khayelitsha, over 1,200 safety hazards were mapped within the first three months. As a result, local authorities addressed over 300 urgent issues—including repairing broken streetlights and clearing illegal dumping sites—enhancing safety for thousands of residents.
Partner With Us
Neftaly invites local governments, community-based organizations, urban planners, and tech partners to collaborate in scaling this solution. Together, we can transform informal settlements into safer, more resilient communities—one data point at a time.