Luanda Urban Poverty Programme (LUPP)

LUPP became operational in 1999 toreduce poverty and provide basic services to the poor in the Cty of Luanda.It builds capacity so that: a) communities can manage and provide suchservices, b) communities can actively participate in municipal governance andadvocate for, promote and influence pro-poor policies at the national level,and c) local government administrations can dialogue with, plan, and addresspriority needs that communities have identified.

LUPP brought the issue of urban poverty to the attention of national,provincial and municipal leaders, stimulated debated and action, and put urbanpoverty on the public policy agenda. It demonstrated the importance ofcommunity participation in the municipal planning process, of accounting forthe needs and views of the traditionally excluded groups such as children,youth, women, the elderly, people with disabilities, and people living withHIV/AIDS. Citizens now actively participate in urban forums and the povertynetwork to advocate for access to basic services. Municipal planning andbudgeting is more inclusive, participatory, accountable, and transparent.

Government ministries have adopted the LUPP model of communitymanagement in the provision of urban services. Community-managed standpostsprovided clean water to 74,000 residents, reduced the cost of water by up to 20times, and doubled the quantity of water used by each individual to reachminimum recommended levels. Water-user groups have started to use theircollective voice to demand and obtain service improvements from the para-statalwater supplier. LUPP is developing national policy and training guidelines forcommunity-managed water sources. Community-organized and operated creches arebeing replicated in all 18 provinces throughout the country by MINARS.