The Urban Transformation Of Slums In Libreville, Gabon: A Case Study Of "Bay Of Pigs"

Although various social and economic problems associated with city development in Gabon have received considerable attention by Gabonese government, less attention has been paid to the slum because the problems caused by the slum in city are not known, not well understood and cannot be effectively identified and addressed.This study sets up the problem of slum by giving an overview analysis of the situation of the living conditions of slum populations through a case study of Bay of Pigs located in Libreville (political capital of Republic of Gabon). To this end, it highlights various slum indicators, such as durable structures, housing, infrastructure facilities, access to safe water and access to improved sanitation.The data used are from official website, official government documents and from personal survey on the site. This study also identifies through SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses Opportunities and Threats) analysis some of the key strengths and weaknesses that characterize the study area, as well as some of the significant opportunities and possible threats that Bay of Pigs faces. This could help the city planners as a basis for preparation of a relevant city development plan.Results show that there has been a decrease in standard living condition in this slum due to the colonial inappropriate urban plan, an economic isolation, political anarchy and population practices. This evidence supports the importance of slum improvement and highlights this issue as one of the major challenges that a predominantly urbanized world faces.Finally, the study is grounded on qualitative international literature review to establish three levels of recommendations for a meaningful slum upgrading including:Slum's dwellers, planning and government level.