Reliable and sustainable basic services
Access to reliable and sustainable basic services such as water, sanitation, energy and waste management are vital components to adequate housing.
Many people in informal settlements lack access to clean drinking water, sanitation, waste management or electricity.
This means many do not have access to these basic services and even where it is available, the services can be highly unreliable. The cost of energy such as electricity and fuel/gas can represent a major cost for low-income households, and millions lose their lives due to deadly diseases from contaminated water or lack of water for basic hygiene like handwashing.
By increasing access to reliable and sustainable basic services in informal settlements, policymakers can ensure the provision of essential infrastructure that improves people’s housing adequacy, health and well-being. It also means that people can upgrade settlements where they are located – rather than forcing residents to move.
The Home Equals campaign will support policy solutions that:
- Expand access and control the quality, prices and reliability of basic services in underserved areas.
- Encourage municipalities to work with alternative providers and/or local revenue to provide basic services.
- Promote technical solutions that prevent negative health and environmental impacts, such as trash burning or contaminating cooking fuels and stoves.
Access to safe and secure housing affects every part of our lives, and increasing access to basic services and utilities are critical to improving health and overall quality of life.
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We support policies that reduce vulnerabilities and help people adapt to climate-related hazards and threats.
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We support policies that prevent eviction, support renters and protect the land and property rights of women, indigenous groups and vulnerable people.
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We support policies that create an inclusive stakeholder process that incorporates the priorities, needs, experiences and voices of individuals and their communities.