ABSTRACT

This chapter identifies and highlights the basic problems associated with degraded urban residential environments as reflected in slums and squatter settlements. It offers recommend policies and opportunities for mobilizing the people towards aided self-help programmes for improving housing environments. The chapter provides the conceptual framework, reviews government efforts, then outlines the methodology, the study areas, and the data. Initial attempts at dealing with problems of slums in the two states (Anambra and Enugu) can be traced back to 1963 when the preparation of planning schemes was intensified to control developments in pockets of deteriorated and deteriorating settlements. Rehabilitation of slums will involve carrying out upgrading exercise appropriate to the needs of the particular residential area. To increase the chances of success and public acceptance of the environmental improvement programmes, there is need for public enlightenment campaign on the importance and advantages of living in a good and healthy environment.