Transit-Oriented Development and Housing in African Cities

This chapter explores the feasibility of affordable housing provision in Transit-Oriented Development projects, given its well-known effect of increasing land values and hence house prices in intervention areas. We also question how affordable housing be achieved in existing neighborhoods where transportation investments have been injected but where TOD is yet to take root as an intentional planning-investment regime. This leads to a consideration of what needs to be done in situations where housing development has preceded transportation investment. This report presents a preliminary appraisal of these questions with lessons from the literature by establishing the relationship between transportation challenges and housing, in cognizance of wide-spread haphazard peripheral development. This discussion is furthered by linking the attainment of the SDG 11 to TODs and the pivotal role the housing sector will play in this regard. Thereafter, we draw lessons for successful TOD application from two African cities (Johannesburg and Addis Ababa). Through the proceedings of a transdisciplinary meeting of stakeholders, we explore the feasibility of TODs in Lagos, a very important commercial centre for Africa. Putting all these into an African context, we then present recommendations for three core stakeholders for TOD projects: Government, investors and communities. A conclusive note on the key considerations for enhancing housing provision through TODs particularly recommending a focus on ‘development-oriented transits’ closes the chapter.