WUF13 mulls need to legalize informal settlements, provide land rights

Financial mechanisms must be created to ensure access to resources for communities already making independent efforts to address their housing needs, Slum Dwellers International (SDI) Special Representative Rose Molokoane said at the panel discussion "In search of the best solutions for sustainable housing and resilient cities - Voices from Cities" at the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku, Report informs.

She pointed out that such communities have significant resources, but effective solutions to the housing crisis require reciprocal action from governments.

"We have significant resources. We just need governments to meet us halfway," Molokoane stated. She also emphasized the importance of legalizing informal settlements and ensuring their residents have full land rights.

She believes this will empower people to independently utilize their existing resources and implement economic initiatives.

Molokoane emphasized that institutional collaboration between the population and government structures, in which organized communities are involved in the decision-making process regarding housing planning and construction, is the key factor in achieving success.