Bamako, Mali, 6 Aug 09

An evaluation seminar on the National Housing Strategy for Mali ended on a positive note in Bamako today.

The seminar was opened by Ms. Salimata Gakou Fofana, Minister of Housing, Land Affairs and Planning in the presence of Mr. Kafougouna Kone, Minister of Territorial Administration and Local Authorities, Mr. Daniel Biau, Director of the Regional and Technical Cooperation Division of UN-HABITAT, Mrs. Mariam Mahamat Nour, Resident Coordinator UN System in Mali and Mr. Abdelkader Sidibe, President of the Association of Municipalities of Mali.

Mr. Biau reminded the participants of the guiding principles of the National Strategy and outlined the challenges of urbanization in Mali. After three days of debate in subcommittees and in plenary, the seminar made recommendations on the adaptation of the institutional framework to land development, production and marketing of housing and financing mechanisms of habitat.

Mr. Biau considered the conclusions and recommendations of the seminar relevant and suggested a withdrawal of the State from implementation of direct real estate programs, the creation of an office to support cooperative housing, and the need to give priority to the growth of spontaneous neighbourhoods.

Ms. Fofana gave assurances that the recommendations would be implemented.

Following a UN-HABITAT technical cooperation project, the implementation of Mali’s National Strategy started in 1996, upon its adoption by the Government. The seminar evaluated the progress achieved, analysed its successes, challenges and constraints that affected the sector proposed a new approach consistent with the country’s objectives for the year 2020.

UN-HABITAT is supporting the Government of Mali under the Cities Without Slums (with the support of Cities Alliance) and the Participatory Slum Upgrading Programme (in cooperation with the European Commission and the Secretariat of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States).