It is not uncommon to hear about extreme government solutions to slums – raze them to the ground. No slums – no problems! But is it really the case?
This CSM commentary takes a closer look at the life in slums in Ghana and argues that governments can help fix some of the problems there, rather than evicting the people to make cities more aesthetically pleasing. Slums, authors argue, are often a breeding ground for entrepreneurial activity and innovation and more needs to be done to channel that potential into broader business development and growth. And solutions cannot come from outside, they must come from within:
With this in mind, the developing world should look less to the United Nations and international experts for solutions to their slum problems. Instead, leaders should identify the weaknesses in their own legal and governing systems that have thwarted people’s natural instincts to help themselves and others – and then make corrections.
The piece is written partly in recognition of the World Habitat Day celebrated today.
Published Date: October 01, 2007