Self-help transformations : infrastructure issues

Low income families in subsidized public housing often find unique approaches to extend their dwelling places to accommodate growing children and additional family members. Additions from bricks and straw, enclosed balconies, and, in some cases, contracted concrete frames have transformed these areas into large complexes that are sometimes dangerous, and often lacking in adequate water and sanitation facilities. The initiative itself, to improve housing space, is often encouraged by the government, since the work is done at the cost of the renter and not at the cost of the government. But the stress on the public facilities must be recognized and taken into account by city planners and environmentalists. The suggested approach to this transformation activity is to organize a central Transformations Advice Center (TAC) within selected neighborhoods for facilitation of the process and the\AB maximization of benefits.