A strategic vision for low- income housing, service provision and land markets

Description

This paper summarizes some of the urban practices in Colombia and is intended to analyze the participation of informal sector, the formal solutions and the local institutional approach to provide land, housing and utilities. Main effects on urban development and land markets are hereby laid down, even though it is indeed necessary to deepen in the study, lessons and conclusions of these experiences as strategies to promote development and improve the quality of life of poor urban communities.

Background information

The purpose of this paper is to deepen the knowledge on how the city has been constructed, based on the following three strategic initiatives to provide land available for development, housing and utilities:
First, the strategy of “illegal” land sub dividers and land creation as amicro-finance strategy.
Second, the new practice by legal land sub dividers aiming to serve the poorest population, who provide housing that complies with standard regulations and requirements set in the development plans of planning and public service agencies.
Finally, the legalization and upgrading program as a planned strategy to improve the quality of life, overcome the shortage and promote the development of pooru rban communities.

Conclusions

The upgrading program for Bogotá, is perhaps the most important and effectives ocial program of its kind developed in Latin America during the past year, which is a successful activity to promote development and improve the quality of life of urban communities. A strategic investment was made to provide public services and basic infrastructure to transform illegal developments into organized neighbourhoods. Neighbourhoods where community is ready to invest in their housing, family and business under principles of decency, security and opportunity. It is necessary to obtain the cooperation of central government and local administration, as well as the support of international community to promote and implement programs for neighbourhood improvement.

Contact info

School of Urban planning & public affairs
Gabriel NAGY

Publication date

1/1/2006

Researcher

Gabriel NAGY

Document type

research