Why not go Vertical?

Rodney Artida

Lack of urban planning and implementation of city development plan makes an urban area prone to housing problem, toxicity and urban sprawl. High population and density brings heavy traffic and pollution. Unsustainable and vulnerable environment in turn will bring more dilemma to the people living in slums or depressed areas.
The World Urban Forum established by the United Nations in 2001 ascribed the program “Cities without Slums” using the term slum to describe “a wide range of low income settlements and/or poor human living conditions”.
Current political conditions also add to the problem. Political clans who rule in Metro Manila and nearby areas do not address the housing and density problem of their cities they ruling respectively. They tend to pamper and tolerate the depressed areas by either giving them their lands or tolerating their illegal settlements in order to gain their support for political and electoral purposes.
The current approach of NHA is relocation to nearby areas of Metro Manila or off-city relocations. Many of these projects are implemented under Arroyo administration through Northville housing. The residents will be given cash incentives and appliances right after moving.
But, resettlement projects of the NHA receives negative feedback from urban poor due to the quality of housing and the distance from the urban centers. Due to its remote location, residents shy away from the housing and decides to go back to depressed areas for livelihood and better opportunities. Many residents from depressed areas rather stay in their community than getting relocated.
On the other hand, many cities in Metro Manila argued that they cannot provide in-city housing due to lack of open spaces to be converted in to. So what if go vertical? By building medium to high rise low-cost housing we can save space and give substantial service to the residents of the community. First-world countries such as US and UK are implementing these vertical housing as solution for informal settlers.
Vertical housing can save space in contrast to villages or settlement areas by maximizing the land area provided for housing. If we can transform these slums into a symbol of gentrification and urban renewal, then we can help save the environment too.
The millennium development goals, especially goal 7 and 8, state that any intervention in Informal Settlements must commit to; make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. Also to develop partnerships for development, ensure environmental sustainability in human settlements which includes access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services.

These interventions should include cooperation with the private sector and NGOs, while making available the benefits of new technologies, especially information and communications. By committing to the Millennium Development Goals, it will afford means of funding for upgrading projects in the developing world. It has been proven that local actors (governments, communities, the private sector, and non-government organizations) are crucial in the achievement of the MDGs.

It is not impossible for the people in slums to avail a decent housing. Cooperation between government agencies and NGOs, and proper communication to the affected community is the key for effective housing program. Most importantly, a strong political will and huge compassion is needed to make it happen.