The Ministry of Housing and Community Development is enhancing collaborations with non-government organizations to improve living conditions in informal settlements that are not yet included in government upgrading initiatives. Permanent Secretary Manasa Lesuma emphasized the government’s ongoing efforts to address infrastructure deficiencies while acknowledging persistent challenges, including land tenure issues, limited funding, and increased urban pressures.
To address these challenges and forge a stronger community connection, the Ministry is partnering with the non-government organization RISE. This collaboration aims to implement interim engineering solutions in selected settlements. Lesuma noted that 48 informal settlements have been identified across the nation, with many of them not set to receive upgrades in the next two to three years under existing plans.
As part of this partnership, RISE will assist in civil works such as improving drainage systems, facilitating road access, and providing essential infrastructure. Lesuma affirmed that this initiative is designed to avoid any overlap with future government projects.
He stressed the importance of community engagement, stating, “If we do not engage more with the communities, and if we are able to come up with a solution regarding our engagement with RISE, then that is an added bonus for us, particularly in helping convince the landowners that eventually we will reach them for these civil works.” Building trust with landowners and ensuring the delivery of long-term solutions is central to the mission of this partnership.
This initiative is a hopeful step towards creating better living conditions for those in informal settlements, demonstrating a commitment to community involvement and sustainable infrastructure development.