The majority of Monrovia, Liberia’s population lives in informal settlements, and only 20% of the highest income group in the city can afford new homes. The policy environment has not historically focused on increasing access to homes for low-income populations, and the government has focused on relocating all informal settlements, which is widely recognized as an unsustainable solution. Recently, the National Housing Authority shifted to focus on informal settlement upgrading, but capacity has been limited.
A multi-sector partnership, including the World Bank, Habitat for Humanity International, Slum Dwellers International, and Liberia’s National Housing Authority, is working to increase access to housing for low-income families, working at the community, market, and policy level. Key aims include community mobilization and facilitation, developing a national urban policy and a city development strategy, and engaging those working in the informal sector.
Source:
Habitat for Humanity International. (2021) Building Solid Ground. Habitat for Humanity International.