MALAWI SHELTER SECTOR ASSESSMENT

The shortage of owner-occupied housing units in urban areas is the most serious problem. To remedy this situation, an innovative and successful site-and-service scheme, featuring self-help construction of traditional structures, has been developed. Technical assistance is being provided for training in this type of construction. Other recommendations to improve housing include the establishment of a Housing Finance Corporation to provide credit guarantees and mortgages for low-income families, provision by the Government of low-cost permanent pre-built housing, and modification of Government housing subsidies. The document includes general background on Malawi, describing geographic, economic, governmental, and population characteristics.