Issues

In the context of city development initiatives, characteristics of a 'good project' are reviewed . A housing policy map shows the shifts in thinking and relation of other development programs. Notes on the more recent City Development Strategy, of the World Bank, are shown as an example of city-level planning in which upgrading is coordinated. A summary and example of the Comprehensive Development Framework of the World Bank suggests a structure at the country level.

Understanding the process of settlement and housing priorities within a rapidly growing city offers a reference for community upgrading strategy.

Two sets of criteria are included. One focuses more on criteria, and the other more on policies.

Considerations in deciding include the impact of highrises and the poor when redeveloping or relocating, the notion of ‘temporary’ upgrading in particularly problematic areas and demolition.

Large-scale physical frameworks can channel future growth. Two examples highlight experiences

A supply-side strategy improving the delivery of how we prepare and execute programs is proposed as the key issue in scaling-up in an excerpt looking at the policy level.

Two excerpts are included: one deals with the basic guidelines when working in historical areas, and the other offers suggestions on how municipalities can capture profits after upgrading.

Tools

Included are several excerpts: one is a an example of mapping with the community, another proposes simple but effective Tips for surveying in the often confusing, high density squatter areas, and the last are some cautions for understanding survey data.

Issues

The first article is a general overview of gender-related issues to consider when planning a project, while the second points out general concerns when including women in the process with a focus on economic development considerations.

Use fees, taxes, loan repayments, subsidies.

Setting Appropriate Standards explores the different agendas of the various actors involved in service provision. The Problems Involved in Standards examines the importance of distinguishing between what ought to be and what can be achieved when setting standards.

Three excerpts highlight a range of alternatives. General service delivery standards are proposed with three levels of service drawing on experience from throughout the world, followed by physical design standards used in the Calcutta Urban Development Project, India, and the very minimum ‘more appropriate’ standards used in the early Lusaka, Zambia, project. A fourth article deals with concepts for restructuring the land centered around the critical circulation layout.

Waste collection and removal are serious health issues. A table summarizes the main collection systems. Criteria and design of handcarts follows in a short summary.

Tools

A 1-page summary of why a project is carried out, what the project is expected to achieve, how it will achieve the results, which factors are crucial and a sense of what it will cost. Several variations exist. Included is an example from a project by the GTZ.

Included is an overview of four main types, a more detailed description of each of the main types, and a detailed, step-by-step example from South Africa of how to carry out an interactive workshop.

Included are several summaries of articles dealing with ways of carrying out land readjustment. One details an example on reblocking together with the community. A second deals with Land Sharing where the slum dwellers meet with the land owner and agree on a reorganization, and a third deals with Land Pooling.

Two articles are included which provide a guide in setting up a project office. Organizing the field office offers suggestions when hiring staff; localization of staff addresses the issue of expatriate vs local staff, which is important when considering sustainability.

Issues

General guidelines are offered at the government level and for aid agencies which consider job creation and wealth generation. Considering the informal sector as ‘hidden consumers’ suggests that they are best served by the formal private sector, with a materials and tools ‘supermarket’ as interface.

Tools

A few notes drawn from experience are included, followed by a more detailed description of how to undertake community contracting.

Included are excerpts on preparing handbooks, posters, and leaflets; an article on general thoughts on communication, and checklist for making public awareness posters.

This section includes suggestions for supporting informal economies, guidelines for organizations promoting entrepreneurship, a discussion of employment generation opportunities in upgrading programs, and ends with a story on community savings groups.

Issues

Criteria that must be met for an upgrading project to be considered successful is suggested in General Project Indicators.

Tools

Typical indicators and alternatives in measuring impact are highlighted in Measuring Upgrading Impact. A structure for establishing indicators oriented around poverty reduction is provided in Determining Indicators.

Aleppo Case Example
This workshop is an example of a rapid, field-based, action-oriented training workshop.

Issues

eCommunities offers thoughts on linking community interests and upgrading efforts.