Dialogue on Shelter for the Homeless Trust (DoS)
The Pitch
Dialogue on Shelter Trust’s Harare Slum Upgrading program greatly improved living conditions in the Dzivarasekwa Extension informal settlement by building community capacity and upgrading sanitation systems, homes and roads, through a collaborative process.
The Problem
The Dzivarasekwa Extension informal settlement was at risk of demolition by the government, with a long history of evictions and unstable living conditions. Flooding during the rainy season caused pit latrines to overflow and contaminate drinking water, and the lack of roads prevented vehicles from entering. These issues disproportionately impacted women and children.
The Process
- Upgraded the Dzivarasekwa Extension informal settlement through land allocation and home upgrade programs to ensure land tenure security
- Used low-cost infrastructure and locally sourced construction materials to maintain affordability
- Educated residents about waste management
- Created the Project Monitoring Committee, which met regularly to reflect on progress and facilitate resident participation in the decision-making process
- Utilized a participatory model to hear residents’ needs, concerns and wants, and collectively plan the upgrading process
- Introduced pilot savings and lending programs to co-finance structure upgrades alongside the city’s funds
- Developed a fund co-managed and co-owned by low-income urban communities
The Impact
- Improved Dzivarasekwa Extension informal settlement’s basic services by building ecosan toilets and other low-cost infrastructure
- Supported residents to build collectives capable of advocating and organizing effectively for their community’s needs
- Helped residents become more aware of sustainable waste management and encouraged them to participate in composting and recycling
- Improved transportation via creation of new roads
- Built a community resource center to create space for meetings and recreation
- Provides avenues for the community to finance new projects and upgrades via new savings and lending programs co-owned by residents
- Supported local artisans and businesses by locally sourcing construction materials
- Inspired other upgrading programs in informal settlements such as Stoneridge, Hopley and Mabvuku-Tafara (Dialogue on Shelter Trust is working on an upgrading project in Mabvuku-Tafara for 242 households)
- Led to the creation of the Harare Slum Upgrading Strategy, which manages the implementation of upgrades
- Successfully encouraged Zimbabwe to include slum upgrading in their National Development Strategy and be more responsive to issues in informal urban communities
