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IN BRIEF
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In Guadeloupe, an alarming number of 35,000 housing units are judged unsanitary, representing approximately 15% of the main residences. Despite an improvement in the quality of construction over the years, many people still live without access to essentials such aselectricity or sanitary equipment. The departmental center for the fight against substandard housing recently organized a plenary to discuss the strategies to be put in place in order to remedy this critical situation, by establishing a cooperation protocol with public partners. The fight against indignity and improving the living conditions of island households are now priorities.
A recent survey reveals that approximately 35,000 households in Guadeloupe live under housing conditions judged unsanitary. This alarming situation raises major concerns regarding the health and well-being of residents of the archipelago. Despite notable improvements in the quality of buildings in recent years, a significant part of the population continues to face problems accessing a decent accommodation. In this article, we will explore the telling figures from INSEE, analyze the reality on the ground and consider possible solutions to remedy this housing crisis.
A worrying state of affairs
According to the National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE), Guadeloupe, which has a total of 235,968 housing units, identified that nearly 15% of its main residences, i.e. approximately 35,000, are in an unworthy state. The situation becomes more complicated when we consider the households still deprived of electricity or sanitation, like 2,748 households and the 2,793 households, respectively, thus raising the crucial question ofunsanitary of habitat.
The characteristics of unsanitary housing
We can define theunsanitary in a regulatory manner, like all situations where housing does not meet the basic criteria of safety and comfort. More precisely, unsanitary housing is one that exposes the occupants to risks manifest that can harm their physical or mental health. The Oléramanne *infrastructures*, the poor quality materials, the overcrowding, as well as the lack of access to sanitary equipment and basic electricity combine to create precarious living environments.
A necessary dialogue between the actors
Faced with this chaotic situation, a cooperation protocol was recently signed between the Departmental center for the fight against substandard housing and various public partners. This approach aims to establish a concrete action plan to combat unsanitary housing. During a plenary meeting at the “Félix Proto” Palace of Culture in Les Abymes, a central question emerged: how to reverse this alarming trend? The discussions made it possible to discuss effective measures to remedy this illusory problem.
The groups most affected
THE households the most vulnerable are often the most affected by unsanitary conditions. In general, this is single-parent families, elderly people and small income who cannot afford to renovate, improve or even move out of their current home. Beyond numbers, these are human stories and life stories, sometimes dychotomous, at the heart of the precariousness that are hidden behind these statistics.
The reality of the figures in Guadeloupe
In 2021, there were approximately 176,722 main residences in Guadeloupe. Among these, the figures speak for themselves: more than 3,400 housing units are located in areas with natural risk. The contrast is stark with other residential areas where the quality of construction has improved, but there remain pockets of vulnerability which have not yet been processed. The report of the Abbé Pierre Foundation also underlines that it is essential to act and look into the situation of people housed in unacceptable conditions.
The importance of improvement and renovation
Experts emphasize that it is crucial to prioritizeimprovement of the building rather than just the destruction of substandard housing. This approach sustainable not only allows families to remain in their original neighborhood, but also guarantees a certain form of social continuity. Concerted action must take into account the financial needs and to consider economically accessible solutions to help owners and tenants in difficulty.
The role of communities and government
Political and local measures must be put in place to better frame And finance these procedures. Local authorities have a key role to play, in particular by facilitating access to grants intended for rehabilitation. In addition, the government has the responsibility to formulate policies effective in preventing unsanitary conditions and guaranteeing the right to decent accommodation for all. It is a major challenge, but achievable if all stakeholders mobilize together.
A dynamic of change to be established
The current situation in Guadeloupe calls for a collective awakening to address the issues of housing and habitat. This could involve the establishment of neighborhood committees to ensure that needs are identified and appropriate solutions are proposed. Furthermore, raising awareness of housing alternatives such as cohousing or other innovative solutions can also transform the real estate landscape of the archipelago.
User testimonials
Many people experience this reality every day, often biased by the outside perspective and their own vulnerability. Of the testimonials Moving stories flow in, highlighting the difficulties encountered. Claude’s story, for example, bears witness to a man’s struggle against housing insecurity. Through these stories, we discover the humanity behind the numbers and realize that it is essential to act to redress the situation.
Perspectives and visions for the future
It is necessary to adopt a holistic vision, where each actor will be called upon to contribute to the establishment of a effective strategy to improve housing in Guadeloupe. THE partnerships between public and private actors could play a determining role in this dynamic, by guaranteeing not only adequate housing, but also feeling of security and dignity for all residents.
Conclusions
The observation today is clear: it is time to stand up to strengthen the actions taken to relieve the suffering of thousands of households Guadeloupeans. Threats of unsanitary conditions cannot remain ignored. We have the opportunity to write a new page on living conditions in Guadeloupe, where everyone will be able to enjoy dignified and healthy housing.
Report on housing in Overseas Territories
Summary of the proposals from the Abbé Pierre Foundation
Report on unsanitary housing in Guadeloupe
Housing statistics in Guadeloupe
Testimonies on unsanitary housing conditions in Guadeloupe
In Guadeloupe, I see families who struggle every day with really difficult living conditions. For example, in the Vieux-Bourg district, a 45-year-old neighbor told me about her situation: she lives in a house without electricity or running water. She told me that her children sometimes have to get up at dawn to fetch water from a well, a real obstacle course!
Another poignant testimony comes from a 60-year-old man who lives in Capesterre. His house, built of sheet metal, is infested with termites. He told me that he always has to watch for cracks in the walls, lest everything collapse. This man often finds himself ill because of the infiltrating humidity. What a nightmare!
A young 30-year-old mother, living in Pointe-à-Pitre, spoke of the difficult situation in her home. In his apartment, condensate and mold are daily concerns. She shared that despite her efforts to maintain some hygiene, she and her children suffer from respiratory problems. It is sad to see that the health of these children is compromised because of their housing.
Finally, I met a group of young people who live in an alley in Basse-Terre. They told me how their community is trying to mobilize to add basic infrastructure to their neighborhood. This collective initiative is beautiful, but it is a cry from the heart in the face of unsanitary conditions. They are fighting for a better future, but the issue of unsanitary housing remains significant.
All these testimonies illustrate the same observation: more than 35,000 housing units in Guadeloupe are considered unsanitary, and this directly impacts the daily life of entire families. It is time for this subject to be taken seriously and for real action to be put in place!