When presenting what one believes to be a new solution, it is an elementary precaution to start with a review of earlier ideas, which have preceded the solution one is discussing. Otherwise one risks being accused of “reinventing the wheel”.

The following paper introduces a new departure in the quest for the solution of the low-income housing problems of Third World cities. This new departure consists of a complete reversal of the hitherto customary distribution of roles between public and private sectors. The initiative, direction and management of house production is devolved entirely to communities of users and owners of houses, while government departments, statutory housing autho~ties and other public sector agencies are given supporting roles. These public sector agencies will be responsible for the provision of housing plots, physical infrastructure, housing finance and, where necessary, subsidies. Their role will be to help, but not to control.

At first sight this seems an obvious answer for a poor government of a poor country. It is worthwhile asking ourselves why we have taken more than 30 years before trying out this new distribution of roles and responsibilities. The answer will become clear if we study and recalt the history of housing policies over this period.