THE CONSOLIDATION OF SQUATTER SETTLEMENTS
Many settlements that originated as unserviced agglomerations of huts gradually develop to become recognised suburbs in the Third World city. This process of consolidation is dependent on a number of factors. These include
1. Security of tenure. Without a high level of confidence that they will be permitted to retain the land, no family will willingly invest time money in consolidating their dwelling. where the poor rent a building plot. security depends on the length of lease and ability to maintain rental payments. Where land has been occupied through invasion, security depends primarily on the attitude of the government.
2. Access to credit. The extent to which and terms under which finance is available exert a major influence on housing development. Low-income families, without a stable source of
income or collateral on which to secure a loan, do not satisfy the requirements of formal sector financial institutions. With limited government provision of low-interest loans. most low-income families resort to personal savings, assistance from friends or kin or loans from employers or informal credit unions. The unavailability of housing finance for a large proportion of low-and middle-income groups
with a capacity to save, invest in housing and repay loans is major constraint on improving their housing quality, and extends the time
scale of settlement consolidation.