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Survey of slum and squatter settlements
205
Book Reviews UNITED
NATIONS
CENTRE
FOR
HUMAN
SETTLEMENTS
(HABITAT),
Survey
of Slum and Squatter Settlements. Tycooly International, Dublin, 1982, 197 pp.
This book is published by UNCHS as Volume 1 in a new Development Studies Series. The data presented is based on 25 case studies of slum and squatter areas in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, commissioned by the UN Centre for Housing, Building and Planning in 1977. The study is intended to help individuals and institutions in both developed and developing countries who are involved in finding appropriate policy approaches to slum and squatter settlements. The survey attempts to provide comparative information on the conditions found in the settlements and to show how residents and authorities are dealing with their problems. Emphasis is placed on the comprehensive nature of settlement policies and the relationship between social and economic development and physical improvements. The book describes the processes of urban settlement, the formation and growth of slums and squatter areas, tenure and use of both land and buildings, demographic patterns, community organisation, employment patterns, physical characteristics of the dwellings, and infrastructure facilities and services. Each chapter consists of a general discussion of the topic, illustrations from the case studies, and (where appropriate) policy considerations. Growth and formation of urban settlements by invasion, accretion, and through entrepreneural subdivision and construction are identified from the case studies. The major factors affecting growth are discussed including the availability of economic opportunities in urban areas, land constraints particularly availability, quality and the nature of ownership, and the extent of community organisation. Although security of tenure is seen as a major factor in influencing occupants’ willingness to invest in and improve their shelter, the form which this can take varies considerably. In some situations an absolute title in the form of freehold ownership may be desirable and the potential creation of an equity which this provides is an added incentive for the occupants’ investment. However, this may encourage resale of plots in which case a more restrictive form of tenure - such as leasehold ownership - may be more appropriate. In some African countries, traditional land tenure forms with community-based land-ownership and individual user rights may be equally suitable. The case studies illustrate the important distinction between land and building tenures and the difficulties these differing tenure forms create when attempting to provide security of tenure to occupants. The writers argue that only expropriation of privatelyheld land and a leasehold system for allocation of plots would provide lasting solutions to the problems of uncontrolled urban development. The chapter on demographic and social patterns points out the limitations of international standards on density and the need to take into account life-styles, climate, and the traditional use of external as well as internal spaces before drawing any conclusions on appropriate densities in particular localities. Kinship support systems are identified as a major factor helping low-income families to survive and the need to ensure minimal disturbance in any shelter policy is emphasised. The major problem for most households covered by the case studies is underemployment and low fluctuating incomes rather than unemployment. Although settlement programmes can improve economic conditions by location near employment opportunities and by providing credit and encouraging small-scale industries, the fundamental problem is identified as the fact that national and urban economies are not growing fast enough to meet the Increasing supply of labour. The survey of physical characteristics of the dwellings shows a wide range of conditions and construction materials; and that the availability of finance and security of tenure have a major influence on the standard of construction. An important point noted in the book is the priority of housing in relation to other basic needs and the fact that it is not always given the highest priority by the occupants. Although every household needs shelter, the household’s willingness to invest in improving their shelter is a function of the amount and regularity of their income, security of tenure, and access to basic services. Water supply is a top priority for slum and
206
Book Reviews
squatter settlement residents; but the survey shows that although pipelines and supply points may be present, regularity of supply and quality of water are still major problems. The book states that rehabilitation and upgrading offer the most feasible solutions to the problem of slum and squatter settlements, on the basis that: the expenditure of public funds is reduced by designing programmes within the households’ affordab~ty limits; security of tenure and provision of credit helps mobilise people’s savings and labour; and, inlprovement rather than relocation retains existing links to employment sources and community organisations. It also enables the beneficiaries to participate in the decisions affecting their lives as well as proving an education for planners, administrators, and politicians involved in the programme. The authors set themselves the difficult task of trying to analyse and compare descriptions of slums and squatter settlements from the major developing regions of the world, gathered by individual observers. Their objective is to help those involved in shelter problems to find appropriate solutions. The book is excellent in its comprehensive coverage and its use of the case studies to illustrate particular problems. The descriptions give us a ‘photograph’ at a particular point in time of existing conditions and an attempt is also made to cover the most important area of enquiry for policy-makers - peoples changing aspirations and priorities. The problem of housing must be seen within the framework of urban development planning and the ~provement of slums and squatter settlements in the context of other housing policy elements, particularly sites-and-se~ices schemes and other forms of planned settlement. As has been identified in the book, the growth of slums and squatter settlements is the result of an overall housing shortage. Improvement of existing areas is not an adequate strategy unless there is an increase in the overall supply of housing and an improvement in people’s access to shelter. The authors have given us an interesting and comprehensive insight into slum and squatter settlements throughout the world. In future volumes in this series it would be useful to look at attempts at implementing different housing policies and comparing them to the problems identified in this book. Such comparisons may then improve our ability to make appropriate policy decisions in the context of the situation in which we are operating and with the knowledge of other people’s experience. Mike Slingsby ~~~rff~, India
ROSEMARY J. WEARING, Tourism- Blessing for Bright. Australian Institute of Urban Studies, 1981, 79 pp. The title of this brief study is a punning reference to George Young’s 1973 study of tourism, Tourism, Blessing or Blight; but whereas the earlier work attempted to draw general conclusions about the impacts of tourism on the recipient country or area, this newer study is limited to the Shire of Bright, Victoria, Australia. By means of 342 interviews - each consisting of over 30 questions - the author has gathered detailed info~ation on the residents’ attitudes toward tou~sm, the local a~~istration of amenities, and the future directions for development. Such ~nfo~ation - presented in over 70 detailed statistical tables - should influence local policy and planning. Iiowever, for those not familiar with the nature of this very local area, the study lacks context. Few details are given as to the nature of the attractions in the area; and an even greater drawback is the total lack of comment on the tourists - their numbers, who they are, where they come from, the nature of their accommodation, their spending patterns, methods of transport, erc.
DAVID CLARK, Urban Geography. Croom Welm, London, 1982,231 pp. The subtitle of this book is “An Introducto~ or second year university studies, particularly book is organised in a clear and straightforward
Guide” and it is intended to be used for first in the United States and in Great Britain. The manner - beginning with a view of the develop-
Book Reviews UNITED
NATIONS
CENTRE
FOR
HUMAN
SETTLEMENTS
(HABITAT),
Survey
of Slum and Squatter Settlements. Tycooly International, Dublin, 1982, 197 pp.
This book is published by UNCHS as Volume 1 in a new Development Studies Series. The data presented is based on 25 case studies of slum and squatter areas in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, commissioned by the UN Centre for Housing, Building and Planning in 1977. The study is intended to help individuals and institutions in both developed and developing countries who are involved in finding appropriate policy approaches to slum and squatter settlements. The survey attempts to provide comparative information on the conditions found in the settlements and to show how residents and authorities are dealing with their problems. Emphasis is placed on the comprehensive nature of settlement policies and the relationship between social and economic development and physical improvements. The book describes the processes of urban settlement, the formation and growth of slums and squatter areas, tenure and use of both land and buildings, demographic patterns, community organisation, employment patterns, physical characteristics of the dwellings, and infrastructure facilities and services. Each chapter consists of a general discussion of the topic, illustrations from the case studies, and (where appropriate) policy considerations. Growth and formation of urban settlements by invasion, accretion, and through entrepreneural subdivision and construction are identified from the case studies. The major factors affecting growth are discussed including the availability of economic opportunities in urban areas, land constraints particularly availability, quality and the nature of ownership, and the extent of community organisation. Although security of tenure is seen as a major factor in influencing occupants’ willingness to invest in and improve their shelter, the form which this can take varies considerably. In some situations an absolute title in the form of freehold ownership may be desirable and the potential creation of an equity which this provides is an added incentive for the occupants’ investment. However, this may encourage resale of plots in which case a more restrictive form of tenure - such as leasehold ownership - may be more appropriate. In some African countries, traditional land tenure forms with community-based land-ownership and individual user rights may be equally suitable. The case studies illustrate the important distinction between land and building tenures and the difficulties these differing tenure forms create when attempting to provide security of tenure to occupants. The writers argue that only expropriation of privatelyheld land and a leasehold system for allocation of plots would provide lasting solutions to the problems of uncontrolled urban development. The chapter on demographic and social patterns points out the limitations of international standards on density and the need to take into account life-styles, climate, and the traditional use of external as well as internal spaces before drawing any conclusions on appropriate densities in particular localities. Kinship support systems are identified as a major factor helping low-income families to survive and the need to ensure minimal disturbance in any shelter policy is emphasised. The major problem for most households covered by the case studies is underemployment and low fluctuating incomes rather than unemployment. Although settlement programmes can improve economic conditions by location near employment opportunities and by providing credit and encouraging small-scale industries, the fundamental problem is identified as the fact that national and urban economies are not growing fast enough to meet the Increasing supply of labour. The survey of physical characteristics of the dwellings shows a wide range of conditions and construction materials; and that the availability of finance and security of tenure have a major influence on the standard of construction. An important point noted in the book is the priority of housing in relation to other basic needs and the fact that it is not always given the highest priority by the occupants. Although every household needs shelter, the household’s willingness to invest in improving their shelter is a function of the amount and regularity of their income, security of tenure, and access to basic services. Water supply is a top priority for slum and
206
Book Reviews
squatter settlement residents; but the survey shows that although pipelines and supply points may be present, regularity of supply and quality of water are still major problems. The book states that rehabilitation and upgrading offer the most feasible solutions to the problem of slum and squatter settlements, on the basis that: the expenditure of public funds is reduced by designing programmes within the households’ affordab~ty limits; security of tenure and provision of credit helps mobilise people’s savings and labour; and, inlprovement rather than relocation retains existing links to employment sources and community organisations. It also enables the beneficiaries to participate in the decisions affecting their lives as well as proving an education for planners, administrators, and politicians involved in the programme. The authors set themselves the difficult task of trying to analyse and compare descriptions of slums and squatter settlements from the major developing regions of the world, gathered by individual observers. Their objective is to help those involved in shelter problems to find appropriate solutions. The book is excellent in its comprehensive coverage and its use of the case studies to illustrate particular problems. The descriptions give us a ‘photograph’ at a particular point in time of existing conditions and an attempt is also made to cover the most important area of enquiry for policy-makers - peoples changing aspirations and priorities. The problem of housing must be seen within the framework of urban development planning and the ~provement of slums and squatter settlements in the context of other housing policy elements, particularly sites-and-se~ices schemes and other forms of planned settlement. As has been identified in the book, the growth of slums and squatter settlements is the result of an overall housing shortage. Improvement of existing areas is not an adequate strategy unless there is an increase in the overall supply of housing and an improvement in people’s access to shelter. The authors have given us an interesting and comprehensive insight into slum and squatter settlements throughout the world. In future volumes in this series it would be useful to look at attempts at implementing different housing policies and comparing them to the problems identified in this book. Such comparisons may then improve our ability to make appropriate policy decisions in the context of the situation in which we are operating and with the knowledge of other people’s experience. Mike Slingsby ~~~rff~, India
ROSEMARY J. WEARING, Tourism- Blessing for Bright. Australian Institute of Urban Studies, 1981, 79 pp. The title of this brief study is a punning reference to George Young’s 1973 study of tourism, Tourism, Blessing or Blight; but whereas the earlier work attempted to draw general conclusions about the impacts of tourism on the recipient country or area, this newer study is limited to the Shire of Bright, Victoria, Australia. By means of 342 interviews - each consisting of over 30 questions - the author has gathered detailed info~ation on the residents’ attitudes toward tou~sm, the local a~~istration of amenities, and the future directions for development. Such ~nfo~ation - presented in over 70 detailed statistical tables - should influence local policy and planning. Iiowever, for those not familiar with the nature of this very local area, the study lacks context. Few details are given as to the nature of the attractions in the area; and an even greater drawback is the total lack of comment on the tourists - their numbers, who they are, where they come from, the nature of their accommodation, their spending patterns, methods of transport, erc.
DAVID CLARK, Urban Geography. Croom Welm, London, 1982,231 pp. The subtitle of this book is “An Introducto~ or second year university studies, particularly book is organised in a clear and straightforward
Guide” and it is intended to be used for first in the United States and in Great Britain. The manner - beginning with a view of the develop-