Informal settlements leave communities vulnerable

Addressing this multifaceted problem requires a comprehensive approach.

AMID the recent heavy rains, the plight of informal settlers in Epworth and other urban peripheries has come to the forefront, shedding light on the dire consequences of uncontrolled expansion and inadequate infrastructure, it has emerged.

According to media reports, the collapse of over 700 houses in Epworth recently and the subsequent displacement of hundreds of families serve as a distressing reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to the escalating crisis.

The rapid growth of informal settlements over the past two decades has been nothing short of alarming. Areas that were once characterised by open spaces, agricultural land or even forests have been transformed into high-density communities, or waste-lands, teeming with vulnerable residents who have no choice but to call these settlements their homes.

Epworth, Caledonia, Hopley and Hartcliffe Extension are just a few examples of areas that have experienced unprecedented expansion.It does not need an expert urban planner to point out that these settlements initially emerged as illegal structures, bypassing construction regulations and inspections. The consequences of such haphazard and slapdash development are now evident. With inadequate foundations and shoddy construction, the recent rains have wreaked havoc, leaving thousands at risk of losing their homes and exposing them to the harsh realities of homelessness.

While it is essential to provide immediate aid and support to those affected, there is a danger to overlook the underlying issues that perpetuate this crisis. The lack of affordable housing options, limited access to basic services and insufficient urban planning have created a breeding ground for informality and vulnerability.Addressing this multifaceted problem requires a comprehensive approach.

First and foremost, there is an urgent need for investment in sustainable urban planning, ensuring that new settlements are developed with proper infrastructure, adequate housing, and essential services.

Additionally, social analysts note that there must be efforts to regularise existing informal settlements, providing residents with security of tenure and access to basic amenities.However, it is crucial to recognise that the solution extends beyond physical infrastructure. There must be a concerted effort to address the root causes of informality, including poverty, inequality and limited economic opportunities.

By investing in education, skills training, and job creation, residents of informal settlements are empowered to break free from the cycle of vulnerability and thus create a path towards sustainable urban and peri-urban development.

Addressing the lack of affordable housing options in informal settlements requires a multi-faceted approach that combines short-term and long-term solutions. Researchers point out some key strategies that can help to alleviate the housing crisis, that include:

Upgrading and regularising informal settlements: Implement comprehensive upgrading programmes that improve the infrastructure and living conditions in informal settlements. This includes providing basic services such as water, sanitation, electricity and roads.

Regularising land tenure and providing legal recognition to these settlements can provide security for residents and enable them to access credit and investment for housing improvements.

Social housing initiatives: Develop and implement social housing programmes specifically targeted at low-income households in informal settlements. These programmes can provide affordable rental or ownership options through partnerships between the government, non-profit organisations and the private sector. Subsidies, low-interest loans, and rent-to-own schemes can make housing more affordable for residents.

Inclusionary zoning policies: Introduce inclusionary zoning policies that require developers to allocate a certain percentage of new housing developments for affordable housing units.

This can help create mixed-income communities and ensure that affordable housing is integrated into new developments.

Public-private partnerships: Foster partnerships between the public and private sectors to increase the supply of affordable housing in informal settlements.

This can involve collaboration with developers, investors and financial institutions to support the construction or renovation of affordable housing units.Microfinance and housing finance initiatives: Establish microfinance programmes and housing finance mechanisms that provide access to affordable loans for housing improvements or home construction.

These initiatives should consider the specific needs and income levels of informal settlement residents, offering flexible repayment options and low-interest rates.

Innovative housing solutions: Explore alternative housing models, such as incremental housing or community-led housing initiatives.Incremental housing allows residents to build and improve their homes gradually over time, according to their financial capacity.

Community-led housing initiatives involve residents actively participating in the planning, design and construction of their own housing, fostering a sense of ownership and community empowerment.

Integrated urban planning: Develop comprehensive urban planning strategies that consider the needs of informal settlements and prioritise the provision of affordable housing. This includes identifying suitable land for housing, ensuring access to essential services and infrastructure and promoting mixed-use development to create inclusive and sustainable communities.

Capacity building and technical assistance: Provide training and technical assistance to informal settlement residents, community organisations, and local authorities to enhance their capacity in housing construction, maintenance and management.

This can empower residents to take an active role in improving their housing conditions and sustainably managing their settlements.Social cohesion and community development: Promote social cohesion and community development programmes that foster a sense of belonging and pride among informal settlement residents.

This can include initiatives that strengthen social networks, enhance community participation and provide opportunities for skills development and income generation.Academics note that implementing these solutions requires collaborative effort involving government agencies, non-profit organisations, community representatives and other stakeholders.

By addressing the issue of lack of affordable housing options in informal settlements, government and key stakeholders can work towards creating more inclusive and resilient cities for all residents.

Researchers, further observe that there are successful examples of community-led housing initiatives in informal settlements around the world.

Baan Mankong Programme, ThailandThe Baan Mankong Programme, initiated by the Community Organisations Development Institute in Thailand, supports community-led slum upgrading and housing development.The programme provides technical assistance, financial support, and capacity building to community organisations to improve and secure their housing conditions. Through this initiative, communities have been able to upgrade their settlements, acquire land rights, and access affordable housing loans, resulting in improved living conditions and community empowerment.

Self-help housing, ChileIn Chile, the self-help housing approach has been successful in addressing the housing needs of low-income families in informal settlements. Organisations like Un Techo para-Chile (A Roof for Chile) have facilitated the construction of thousands of transitional and permanent homes in collaboration with the community members themselves.The process involves families working collectively to build their own houses, with technical support and materials provided by the organisation.This approach has helped to improve housing conditions and foster a sense of ownership and community participation.

Slum Dwellers International (SDI) Network, GlobalThe Slum Dwellers International (SDI) network is a global network of community-based organisations working to improve the living conditions of slum dwellers.SDI promotes community-led initiatives for housing and slum upgrading in various countries, including India, South Africa and Kenya.Through partnerships with local governments and international organisations, SDI has facilitated access to finance, technical assistance, and knowledge-sharing platforms, enabling communities to upgrade their settlements and gain secure tenure.

Favela-Bairro Project, BrazilThe Favela-Bairro Project in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, aims to upgrade informal settlements and integrate them into the formal urban fabric.The project involves community participation in the planning and implementation of infrastructural improvements, housing upgrades and the provision of social services. By involving residents in decision-making processes and investing in physical and social infrastructure, the project helped to transform several favelas into more inclusive and vibrant neighbourhoods.

These examples demonstrate that community-led housing initiatives can be effective in improving housing conditions and empowering residents in informal settlements.By involving local communities in the planning, design and implementation of housing projects, these initiatives promote a sense of ownership, enhance social cohesion and result in more sustainable outcomes.

They also highlight the importance of partnerships between community organisations, governments and other stakeholders to ensure the success and long-term viability of such initiatives.

The recent events in Epworth serve as a wake-up call for policymakers, urban planners and communities at large, not to afford to turn a blind eye to the plight of those living on the fringes of cities and towns.

It is time to prioritise inclusive and equitable urban and per-urban development, whereby no one is left behind.Only then can policy-makers truly start transforming these informal settlements into thriving, resilient communities that offer a better future for all.

• Tonderai Matonho is a Zimbabwean environmental and social commentary journalist

  Community Organisations Development Institute Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).