Lessons from Zimbabwe.

This chapter presents research and project experience from Zimbabwe which has aimed to develop innovative approaches in managing housing standards and in setting up standards review systems. The key issues that emerged and will be explored in more depth are that: access to legal housing could be improved if it were universally recognized that effective standards review processes and procedures are important; standards would be appreciated if the people concerned participated in their review; unless standards review systems are participatory it is impossible to ensure that new standards meet peoples means needs and priorities and are generally understood; housing delivery performance and access to legal housing in cities can be increased if new standards are responsive to changes in economic circumstances and housing market trends; and raising awareness of new standards depends upon how information on building standards and procedures is disseminated to all stakeholders as an integral aspect of review processes. (excerpt)