In order to support the implementation of tangible actions that will help in the improvement of the living conditions for slum dwellers, Burkina Faso, Niger and Kenya recently made financial contributions to the Participatory Slum Upgrading Programme.
Burkina Faso committed to provide USD 800, 000, thus setting the record as the highest individual country contributing to the programme, followed by Kenya with USD 500,000 and Niger with an additional USD450,000. The contributions come at a time when slum dwellers are calling for more action.
Access to basic social amenities and infrastructure that include decent shelter, water and sanitation, schools and health facilities as well livelihood support are some of the initiatives that will be implemented at city level.
The three are amongst eight countries selected to begin the implementation phase of slum upgrading in the cities. Other countries selected include Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Malawi and Mozambique.
Prior to joining the implementation phase, countries conducted a detailed understanding of issues underlying slum proliferation. Neighbourhood upgrading plans and citywide slum upgrading strategies which helped to identify priority areas for action were also developed.
The Participatory Slum Upgrading Programme is an initiative of the Secretariat of Africa, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States, funded by the European Commission and executed by UN Habitat. The programme targets to reduce by half the number of slum dwellers come the year 2020, in targeted cities and countries.
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