The European Commission (EC) was in Nairobi from 24-28 October 2011, to review the Participatory Slum Upgrading Programme (PSUP) implementation process as well as to discuss extended activities for the year 2012. The EC has so far given 4 million Euros to the programme. Additional resources are ear marked for the year 2012, to implement tangible response initiatives.
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Dr. Joan Clos with the EC delegation comprising Mr. Denis Salord, Ms. Sophie Autie and Mr. Bernard Rey© UN-HABITAT/Julius Mwelu |
The EC delegation held technical discussions with the UN-HABITAT Executive Director, Joan Clos. Mr Denis Salor, the EC’s Head of Unit for centralized operations for ACP countries expressed the commitment of the European Commission to the process. He further pointed out the need for cities to deliver their obligations to the process. While reaffirming UN-HABITAT’s mission to supporting cities address urban challenges, Dr. Clos highlighted national urban development policies and city enlargement plans as some of the important means through which cities will be supported to address slum issues. The EC delegation also visited slums located in the Kenyan coastal town of Mtwapa. Mtwapa, is one of the towns selected to benefit from slum upgrading interventions.
Achievements by the programme to date include detailed profiles highlighting much needed areas of intervention for slum areas. National and local authorities have also been sensitized on the need for an integrated approach to urban issues in order to ensure sustainability. In addition, urban issues have gained greater visibility in participating countries. As a result, urban issues have been included in poverty reduction strategies, United Nations Development Assistance Framework, the Africa Gender Index, and other development management tools. Moreover, countries such as Kenya are already in the process of developing a National Urban Policy.
PSUP is being implemented in 29 countries and 63 cities across Africa, Caribbean and the Pacific, with the target of improving the living conditions of slum dwellers. A three pronged approach is being used. The first involves urban profiling, where cities conduct rapid, participatory, cross-cutting, multi-sectoral, and action oriented assessment of needs. The second stage involves action planning where priorities are developed at neighborhood level. During the third stage, municipal authorities, regional and central government are supported to implement the tangible projects identified. To date, 18 countries have completed the urban profiles, and are moving onto the action planning phase. Twelve countries have finalized the action planning phase and are preparing to begin implementing prioritized activities in 2012. |
