Neftaly: Integrating Safety into Housing Policies for Informal Settlements
Overview
Informal settlements are home to millions across Africa, offering shelter but often lacking basic safety standards, infrastructure, and formal recognition. Neftaly (Neftaly International Development Agency) is committed to transforming these vulnerable communities by advocating for inclusive housing policies that integrate safety, dignity, and resilience into urban development plans.
Why Safety Matters in Informal Settlements
Informal settlements frequently arise from urgent housing needs, leading to construction that is unregulated and unsafe. Common safety challenges include:
- Fire hazards due to faulty electrical setups or open flame cooking
- Poor structural integrity of homes
- Inadequate access to emergency services
- Lack of sanitation and clean water, posing health risks
- Exposure to crime due to poor lighting and insecure housing
Safety is not a luxury — it’s a human right. Neftaly champions policies that protect lives while preserving the community-driven spirit of informal settlements.
Neftaly’s Approach
1. Community-Centered Assessments
We begin with listening. Neftaly engages directly with residents to understand their lived experiences, identify key risks, and co-develop safety priorities.
2. Policy Advocacy
We work with local and national governments to ensure housing policies:
- Include safety as a core component
- Support in-situ upgrading rather than displacement
- Promote affordable, sustainable building materials
- Encourage legal recognition of informal settlements
3. Capacity Building
Neftaly trains local leaders, housing officers, and urban planners in:
- Risk assessment and safety audits
- Fire safety and disaster preparedness
- Community-based infrastructure planning
4. Demonstration Projects
Through pilot upgrades and housing prototypes, Neftaly shows how small changes — like firebreaks, drainage, or safer cooking spaces — can have a big impact.
5. Monitoring and Evaluation
We build tools to measure safety outcomes and ensure policies deliver real change. Data collection is participatory, empowering communities to track progress.
Impact Goals
- Reduce fire and structural hazards by 50% in target settlements
- Influence housing legislation in at least 3 countries by 2027
- Reach 10,000+ residents through training and safety campaigns
- Scale community safety initiatives regionally through partnerships
Partner With Neftaly
Neftaly believes change happens through collaboration. We welcome partnerships with governments, NGOs, academic institutions, and community-based organizations to advance safer, more inclusive cities for all.
Contact Us
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Together, let’s build safer homes — and stronger futures.


