Authors : Rania S. Shafik and Mariam A. Abouhadid
Abstract: There have been many efforts to investigate the problematic of informal settlement in Egypt and there are many suggested solutions. However, none of these have addressed the complexity of the process of formation of informal settlement in Egypt. There are many drivers and catalysts that facilitates spreading unofficial housing. This study studies the phenomenon of the formation of informal settlements in Egypt and the complexities behind its bureaucratic procedure. It aims to identify the unannounced motives and catalysts behind these informal settlements as well as examining the role of institutions whether they help in any way in facilitating the formation and spread of the phenomenon of informal settlements in Egypt. One of the main drivers of the formation of the informal settlements in Egypt is the "informal system" that allows government officials to use their positions and connections to increase their income. They boost their symbolic power system by benefitting from the illegal situation of the settlements and turn it to their advantage for financial profit. This research acts as a guideline and addresses decision makers and urban planners to propose solutions for reforming the bureaucratic and governmental systems regarding these settlements as they tend to act as a hidden resisting force against any proposed urban solutions.
Rania S. Shafik and Mariam A. Abouhadid, 2020. The Role of the Institutions in the Formation of Informal Settlements in Egypt. Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences, 15: 869-875.