Valuing Affordable Housing-Issues and Options

Abstract

Housing remains central to development of individuals, communities, societies, states, nations and planet. Considered as one of three basic human necessities, shelter has occupied and shall continue to occupy critical space in defining quality of life. Besides taking care of life and liberty, shelter remains major driver of economic development besides generator of large-scale employment. With large number of industries involved in producing goods, components and services used in making of housing, shelter is known for its role and importance in promoting industrialization and urbanization. Occupying largest space in cities and having largest count in the built environment, housing is known to define  the personality and basic character of the cities. Providing space for the family to share and live together, housing  also viewed and valued for its connectivity with health and happiness. Mandated and valued, by United Nations in its various declarations, ‘providing housing for all’, remains the universal agenda of all nations. However, providing shelter for all, remains the most formidable challenging and opportunity for all national governments.