With a rapidly growing population driven by the influx of refugees, the lack of institutional capacities, and the lack of integration of housing with urban planning to sustainably manage the growth, Jordan’s housing sector is experiencing significant challenges. Housing challenges are particularly exacerbated by the increasing number of vacant housing units, irrespective of people living in crowded or informal settlements or in situations of homelessness. Jordan will need to produce between 62,000 to 74,000 housing units annually for a decade in order to reduce the current deficits and keep up with new household formations (World Bank, 2018). Therefore, the sustainable future of Jordan’s most populated cities, which house over 90% of its population, and the yields of urbanization, will strongly depend on tackling housing challenges. A paradigm shift in housing policy and practices is essential to meet the growing urgency to provide adequate housing.
The proposed recommendations within this Guide range from those that entail administrative reform, such as adjustments to the existing institutional framework and upgrading legislations or procedures, to those that address the need for strengthened capacities to formulate and implement housing policies, specifically with a consideration of international best practices. Each recommendation is accompanied by a brief description that indicates its objective, rationale, and the challenges being addressed.
Share