The mediation of community participation in the delivery of low-cost housing.

Internationa l debates in the field of developmen t have redefined housing as sustainable housing.Thus, housing no long refers to the delivery of physical products.The introduction of the concept of sustainabilit y has far reaching consequence s for the delivery of housing, which now amounts to the creation of viable communities .Moreover, the delivery of housing now takes place within the context of a policy framework that is indicative of a complete reversal of past policies towards developmen tally-oriente d, integrated approaches aimed at bringing about the long term sustainabilit y of a vibrant and organic civil society.Significantly , the conception of housing as a process prioritises community control of projects at the local level with the assistance of external role players.This dissertation could not have been produced without the inspiration and assistance of a number of individuals.In this respect, there are a number of people to whom I am particularly indebted to in the [mal presentation of this dissertation.Firstly, to the students, lecturers (especially Mike Morris) and administrato rs at the School of Developmen t Studies, for their assistance and ideas during my time spent studying for this degree.To my supervisor Colin Marx for his ideas, probing questions, long distance support and much appreciated encouragem ent and patience.To Ismail, Sarah and Mohamed Farouk,