Comparison of Issues and Countermeasures among Previous and Current Squatter Formations in Yangon, Myanmar

Along with the transition era, Yangon has been facing rapid urbanization and being challenged by the inevitable urban issues including slum and squatter settlements. Current squatter formation and expansion has been emerging in Yangon with the dichotomy between the urban population growth and the urban poverty. In this study, the main objective is to compare the root causes and countermeasures between the current and previous squatter formations. Mixed research, including qualitative and quantitative approaches, is applied to analyze data obtained from both primary and secondary sources. This paper argues that although the participatory approach is the most effective practice in the developing countries, the community-led housing scheme is doubtful for success in Yangon context. The major concerns regarding government role and will or mind-set of governmental organizations, paternalistic role of professionals, selective participation and excessive pressure for immediate results have been reported. It recommends that slum upgrading schemes should focus both on physical infrastructures and socio-economic development.