Background and objectives
This project is a follow-up to the national action plan prepared for Habitat II, which focused on the country's housing situation, sector-related institutions, land supply and financial mechanisms.  The project seeks to formulate a national shelter strategy and an urban poverty alleviation programme. 

Activities
The project's activities started in February 1998 with an assessment of the national urban shelter situation.  Currently, there are three in-depth studies dealing with local building materials, housing finance mechanisms, land and the building industry.  A national seminar involving key actors took place in June 1999, where the results of these studies and a first draft of the shelter strategy were discussed. 

Results
The finalized version of the shelter strategy endorsed by the Government was submitted to the National Assembly for adoption.  In the meantime, UN-Habitat assisted the Government to organize a donor meeting, which took place in Ndjamena from 23 to 25 November 1999, with great interest from several donors to fund urban sector projects.  The Government will set up a follow-up mechanism with the support of UNDP.