Kingsley U.N. Chikwendu
It is thoughtful saying that putting an end to the gulf in class that has existed for many years among the rich, average and poor or reducing it in the country, may be achieved through affordable housing, beginning with the low income earners. It could also gradually help in reducing the huge wealth gap that is already existing.
Extending sustainable homeownership opportunities to more persons, irrespective of background, culture and levels of income would not only spread societal equity in terms of wealth and standard of living, it is certain that it will lead to the economic growth of a society.
Also read: Cooperative efforts to creating more opportunities for home ownership
Providing opportunities for affordable home ownership across all classes of the society for the future, would create more homeowners in the country and will generate more long-term jobs. This calls for a genuine political will on the part of the leadership of any country.
One of the limiting factors that curtail the progress of improving housing and the standard of living of low-income earners in a country, may be the lack of a dedicated political will to address the issue. It seems the authorities enjoy the existing huge class among the rich, average and poor as regards quality affordable housing.
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Having said this, informal settlements should be seen as caused by poor housing policies or lack of implementation and it underscores the importance of the sustained roles an active political system can play in improving or reducing informal settlements in the country.
