Housing in Singapore: Determinants of success and lessons for the developing countries

This paper considers the successful mass housing programme implemented in Singapore since 1960. With emphasis on the central housing agency an attempt is made to outline the main features of the organizational framework and the relevant policies and procedures. The factors which contributed to the success of the housing programme are identified. These are compared with those commonly found in the developing countries, especially those in sub-Saharan Africa. It is concluded that the main aspects of Singapore's programme worth emulating include a firm government commitment, the formation of a strong and effective executing agency, appropriate policies firmly enforced, identification of target groups, tailoring of designs to meet specific needs and, especially, resource management.