Institutional Downward Raiding in Housing: Challenges for State-Subsidised Housing for Low-Income Groups in Developing Countries, The Case Study of Linakotseng, Maseru, Lesotho

Little has been said about downward raiding in housing in the planning literature. Various governments in developing countries have established subsidised housing projects with the hope of providing housing opportunities to low-income groups. These government institutions offer housing subsidies and serviced sites to improve access to adequate housing for low-income groups.

Little has been said about downward raiding in housing in the planning literature. Various governments in developing countries have established subsidised housing projects with the hope of providing housing opportunities to low-income groups. These government institutions offer housing subsidies and serviced sites to improve access to adequate housing for low-income groups. However, low-income areas are often raided by middle-income earners, which makes it difficult for low-income households to access housing that was originally intended for them. State institutions frequently appear ineffective as they fail to address this problem, which results in low-income households struggling to participate in the formal housing market. This paper therefore examines the role of state housing institutions in the perpetuation of downward raiding in housing, focusing on the Linakotseng housing project in Maseru, Lesotho. The methodology employed included a case study research design, key informant interviews, and a review of strategic documents. The study found that the government-led low-income housing project in Linakotseng was raided by middle-income earners, which rendered the houses unaffordable for low-income groups. It was identified that the community was not involved in the planning of this settlement, and market research was not conducted properly. The study recommends the adoption of a methodology in housing projects that encourages community participation and thorough market research, and that authorities must understand local realities.