Friday, November 19, 2010

Slum Upgrade

A method to improve slums in Kibera: Relocation



There are many problems with this method. The government built new modern houses (as seen in the background of the picture) but the transfer was postponed many times, it was extremely expensive and often times foreigners or outsiders end up living in the new homes, not the slum dwellers.

Slum dwellers were sceptical and they have good reason to be. Their old homes would be demolished after they move and they have to pay for the new houses immediately but the exact amount is not set out before hand. The ministry wishes to tailor payments suitable to incomes but fears discouraging the relocation with a big figure... Some slum dwellers say "they will lose their livelihoods if the houses are demolished and demanded compensation" but none will be given by the government.

Conclusion: Not a very effective method. Too expensive. Involves constructing brand new infrastructures instead of working with any existing ones.  Limited beneficiaries.








Daily Nation. "Move to 'paradise' for Kibera slum dwellers put off yet again" Last modified 
     August 20, 2009. http://www.nation.co.ke/News/-/1056/643158/-/item/1/-/bhbv34z/-
     /index.html




Sheng Wu 
Nov. 19, 2010

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