Slums: hubs of opportunities and sustainable urban development

Abstract

This paper discusses the characteristics of urban slums and that of their inhabitants. Using Minna urban environment; a survey of two major slums; Kpakungu and Barikin-Saleh was carried out with the aim of highlighting living conditions and how policy change can provide needed opportunities to for a better life. Using water provision and waste management, the field study revealed that these slum inhabitants pay more by buying water from vendors and engaging the services of informal providers as the alternative sources. The paper submits that these areas and their residents are given a pejorative tag not because they are populated by the low- income group; but rather, because of service providers’ refusal to adequately invest in them: which is not for the fear of the inability of slum inhabitants to pay, but because of their incapacity to serve all city residents. Since slums are fast becoming the major areas of our urban environment, and those living there are capable of paying for these amenities; full investment in them by both public and private bodies is recommended.