The Architect

The article by CEPA looks at the effects of the government’s urban regeneration campaign on a settlement or watte community forced to make way for infrastructure development in the city. Watte dwellers are particularly disadvantaged by land acquisition, because 75 per cent do not have documented titles to their land. They are the vilified but essential ‘informal sector’ providing services to the city. As urban displaced, they are among the country’s weakest citizens, with the least amount of economic and social power. Much of the local and international research on the impact of displacement indicates that once uprooted from existing networks, reorganising lives and livelihoods takes a longer time. For these reasons, government authorities need to implement the National Involuntary Resettlement Policy to ensure a participatory, progressive land acquisition process and people-friendly low income housing solutions.

The journal is available at the CEPA Resource Centre for reference.