ANNUALLY, the first Monday of October is observed as World Habitat Day. The purpose of this day is to reflect on the state of our towns and cities, and on the basic right of all persons to adequate shelter. It is also intended to remind the world that we all have the power and the responsibility to shape the future of our cities and towns. This year’s theme ‘Housing Policies: Affordable Homes’ focuses on promoting concrete initiatives that can be developed to ensure adequate and affordable housing, especially in urban areas.

All across the world, the population of urban areas continues to expand. More often than not, this leads to overcrowding and while housing is considered a basic human right, it is quite evident that all do not have access to this privilege. Unaffordable housing leads to quite a number of environmental issues. When housing is unaffordable, especially in cities, the development of slums and squatting areas is prolific.

Such areas usually result in all forms of pollution, the consequences of which have to be faced by the inhabitants of these areas themselves. Contamination of land and water is very prevalent due to improper disposal of all types of wastes, including human wastes. As a result, there are high incidences of infectious disease outbreaks like flu, cholera, malaria, dengue and yellow fever.

Moreover, the building materials used in these areas are usually not of the highest quality. This leaves them exposed to environmental conditions, and with climate change a reality, they are burdened with facing the impacts of stronger storms, more intense rainfall, increased temperature and other impacts of climate change.

Realising that unaffordable housing leads to social as well as environmental issues, it is time for all relevant stakeholders to understand their role in making housing affordable for all. Affordable housing is an issue of local and international concern and achieving this will mean a move towards a safe, healthy and green Guyana.

Sources:
http://www.urbanoctober.org/2017/about.asp?pcd=2
https://unhabitat.org/world-habitat-day/

You can share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O ECEA Programme, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN, or email us at: eit.epaguyana@gmail.com or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.