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Metropolization and the ecological crisis: precarious settlements in Ho Chi Minh City, VietnamLaboratory of Urban Sociology at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne
Laboratory of Urban Sociology at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne, jcbolay{at}urbanet.ch
This paper describes two experiences with community-led upgrading programmes in precarious settlements in Ho Chi Minh City and discusses how and why these are more effective and appropriate than the citys "redevelopment" and relocation programmes. Although rapid economic growth has meant improved material conditions for much of the citys population, it has also had a negative impact on the environment and on the poorer groups whose living conditions are deteriorating, especially in the precarious settlements on vacant lots, along canals and on the city outskirts. The city has plentiful water, but large sections of the population are not reached by piped water and sewers. Although relocation programmes are better managed here than in most cities, many who are relocated suffer a drop in income, a steep rise in housing costs and a disruption to their social networks. The paper ends with some reflections on the changes needed in government attitudes towards citizens.
Environment and Urbanization, Vol. 14, No. 2,
211-224 (2002) |
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