Collective Housing: Asia Hub for the production of Habitat
Project Overview
The “Collective Housing: Asia Hub for the Production of Habitat” project was initiated by the Geneva Federation for Cooperation (FGC), Switzerland, in collaboration with UrbaMonde. The project is being implemented across Asia by the Asian Coalition for Housing Rights (ACHR), based in Bangkok, in partnership with national networks in India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka. This two-year initiative, launched in January 2024, aims to promote inclusive and community-driven housing solutions. In Sri Lanka, ACHR has designated the Community Livelihood Action Facilitating Network (CLAFNet) as the national implementing partner. CLAFNet has, in turn, partnered with SEVANATHA to carry out selected project activities under a formal agreement.
Project Focus in Sri Lanka
CLAFNet, in collaboration with SEVANATHA, has identified six local authorities within the Colombo metro region for the implementation of this project. The focus is on addressing the needs of underserved settlements within these areas. The selected local authorities include: Dehiwala–Mount Lavinia Municipal Council, Moratuwa Municipal Council, Kolonnawa Urban Council, Peliyagoda Urban Council, Wattala- Mabola Urban Council, and Wattala Pradeshiya Sabha. The Project activities will be supported by the Women’s Bank of Sri Lanka and other community-based organizations (CBOs) actively working within these settlements.
The key responsibilities of the local partners:
1. Contribution to the regional programs by sharing the information and project activities in regional in person and on live meetings.
2. Carrying out the country level actions which included;
a. Study collective housing approaches in the country.
b. Knowledge sharing and capacity building among related stakeholders.
c. Contribute to national advocacy on collective housing approaches.
d. Data collection, Mapping and Documentation of the case studies.
e. Progress sharing with ACHR and other regional partners.
Current Progress
The project has completed key groundwork including a literature review, surveys, and field data collection in all six local authority areas. Underserved Settlement profiles have been developed, providing a comprehensive analysis of social, housing, land tenure, and basic service conditions within these settlements.
Findings from the survey have been presented to respective Local Authorities . These insights will guide the next phase, which involves implementing priority actions identified in collaboration with local authorities and potential donor support.
Looking Ahead
The next phase of the project will focus on transforming collected data into concrete actions by implementing community-driven improvements based on the identified needs. It will also emphasize continued collaboration with local councils and regional partners to advance inclusive urban development in underserved settlements across Moratuwa MC, Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia MC, Kolonnawa UC, Peliyagoda UC, Wattala-Mabola UC, and Wattala PS.
Data Collection through Focus Group Discussions
Profile Of Underserved Settlements
Data Presenation & Discussion with Local Authority Representatives
