Did you miss KFLA's second global thought leader, Dr. Ines Raimundo? Watch the recording below to see what you missed. If you enjoy the video, let us know by pressing like or subscribe.
Mozambique has one of the fastest growing economies in Africa, driven by coal mining and other extractive industries. Additionally, like other sub-Saharan countries, Mozambique has shown an increase in population in general and particularly in cities. However, the perverse side of that is the fact that the poor still poor while the rich are getting richer. The cement cities can no longer accommodate the “destitute” or “poor” and these cannot compete with the “well-off”. So where to go? Slopes, swamps, highways, someone’s property, etc., have become the places to settle including to do all kinds of business. The majority of population live in underserved cities labelled “informal” settlements, which have been “recognized” as part of the city, despite their very irregular situation of living. Most residents now live in inadequate housing on low lying areas on the outskirts prone to flash flooding. Around three-quarters of the population lack access to piped water and sewage systems, leading to outbreaks of malaria and waterborne diseases including cholera.
In this webinar, Dr. Raimundo and Kellogg Fellow (KSAL), will explain how the first step to changing this situation is the “recognition” of city government that they have failed to provide solutions for poor people. City dwellers live in underserved areas while they fight for living and for a decent life. Informal markets, informal transportation and informal land access are the way of life. Informality has become the “formal” way of living.
