Hernando De Soto: The Other Path_self-organization

Hernando De Soto: The Other Path

Ch.2: Informal Housing (p.26-29)

Informal organizations:

1) elected democratic organ to first execute the invasion, then:

Basic aim: to protect and increase the value of the property

acquired

- negotiating with authorities

- preserving law and order

- provide services

- registering properties in the settlement

- administering justice

- public works

- committees to undertake specific tasks (obtaining

water supply, sewage system, electricity, roads, and

sidewalks)

- budget based on income from settlers' dues less

expenditures, public works, complying with bureaucratic

procedures, fund for bribing – all approved by general

assembly

- public works often carried out by residents (cost

reduction)

2) Cooperatives, Associations set up to buy agricultural land

illegally (to avoid expropriation)

Basic aim: to bring interested buyers together in a legal

entities (then buy land or stage invasion)

- identify land

- formalize contracts with owners

- critical mass + sufficient money

- professionals involved – 'speculators' (inf. estate brokers)

- technical assistance – drawing up plans for infrastructure,

Transportation

- drawing up plans of houses

(Meeting with Cecilia and Edna, 15th October 2013)

World Habitat Day OSLO October 7th

WORLD HABITAT DAY CONFERENCE 2013 – INFRASTRUCTURE 2013: COMMUNICATION

7 OCTOBER AT THE HOUSE OF LITERATURE OSLO

How is Information and Communication Technology (ICT) serving as infrastructure in cities that bridges the gap between the formal and informal city, and further the impact of ICT on development and reduction of urban poverty?

Infrastructure 2013
In 2013, Habitat Norway has designated our activities to shed light on infrastructural challenges in growing cities and in informal areas. Throughout the year, Habitat Norway is hosting seminars focusing on the access to infrastructure and discusses new technology and opportunities. While five evening seminars are looking into the following matters: water, sanitation, electricity, public transportation and solid waste management, the Habitat Day conference is devoted to information and communication technology. More information about ‘Infrastructure 2013′ here: http://habitat-norge.org/infrastructure-2013/

World Habitat Day – Infrastructure 2013: Communication
Digital information and communication technology have become a necessary infrastructure of the urban environment today. For the inhabitants in informal settlements and the urban poor, new mobile technology, social media and internet services makes formerly unavailable services and information available. Mobile currency, medical information services, updates on security issues and prices on goods to mention a few, are communicated through internet and mobile phones. Open online maps enables inhabitants in settlements not visible in the formal maps to geotag their communities. The technology and social media increases transparency, but also provides a platform for urban poor to spread information on issues affecting them and voice their opinion.

What kind of role has these tools as a necessary infrastructure in urban planning and development strategies? Do they contribute to securing the rights of slum dwellers and contribute to a more prosperous life? How can new technology be utilized in response to urban poverty?

We have invited both national and international speakers to introduce the overarching issues related to information and communication technology in cities today, discuss ‘smart cities’ in developing countries, as well as give glimps of spesific projects and cases.

http://habitat-norge.org/habitat-day-conference-7-october/

New york times: 

MAMELODI JOURNAL

Trading Privilege for Privation, Family Hits a Nerve in South Africa

By LYDIA POLGREEN

Published: September 15, 2013

An article describing white middle class South African family spending a month in a shack in a township. 

photo credit: Candace Feit for The New York Times

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/16/world/africa/trading-privilege-for-privation-family-hits-a-nerve-in-south-africa.html?smid=fb-nytimes&WT.z_sma=WO_TPF_20130916&_r=0