NEW PROSPECTS IN HOUSING DEVELOPMENT THROUGH HDA's INNOVATIVE FINANCIAL AND TECHNICAL MECHANISMS

RENOVATION OF SQUATTER AREAS:

In the context of transformation of squatter areas, for the first time in Turkey, TOKI has initiated a very extensive and a rapid renovation project in cooperation with local authorities.

The aim of these projects is to reconstruct the "illegally occupied and underdeveloped (in terms of lacking basic urban services, like adequate water, proper sanitation, transportation etc.) squatter regions" through clearing of such regions and to rehabilitate those areas by constructing a modern, livable settlements with the provision of adequate shelter, sanitation, social facilities, better environment quality etc. Through the squatter transformation model used by HDA , both "the illegally occupied squatter zone" is rehabilitated and also at the same time a vacant area is planned for the purpose of providing modern housing units for evicted households from the squatter areas.

As a first step in squatter transformation, local authorities and municipalities identify the illegally settled regions in their cities and cooperate with HDA through a protocol to renovate those regions through an housing development scheme. After the protocol is signed, on the one hand an housing development programme is implemented by HDA by constructing modern housing units for the squatter households on a different vacant area (this land is given by municipalities to HDA as a condition to construct housing units for the squatter households) with all the livability conditions, standards and social facilities provided, and on the other hand, municipalities identify the illegally-settled households to be evicted and then clear the occupied land. The cleared land, then, is used by HDA and municipality and regenerated through urban renewal projects, since those squatter areas are often very valuable in terms of urban rent.

Therefore, through the model realized by HDA, not only squatter areas are rehabilitated but also urban rent can be diverted to public use through the implementation of such projects like schools, urban recreational areas, shopping centers, prestigious housing settlements etc.

With the Law No.5104 dated 04/03/2004, HDA and the Greatest Municipality of Ankara are authorized to improve the physical situation and environs of Northern Ankara Entrance, named as the "Protocol Road" and the surrounding areas, to beautify the areas and to provide a healthier settlement order. In the areas described by this Law, urban design, housing, social superstructure, environmental arrangementsand the technical infrastructure projects and the constructions will be arranged both by the Municipality and HDA in coordination.

RENOVATION OF SQUATTER HOUSING AREA