Cités
Instead of Changing Realities, Change the Names!
From “Cités” to “Résidences”
In several suburbs across the country, there are large residential complexes for low-income individuals.
The only development I’ve seen for these housing estates is that they are no longer called “Cités” but “Résidences”!
We shouldn’t laugh, because this renaming is quite serious.
This indicates that elected officials, both locally and nationally, are well aware that all they have done is create places that perpetuate social stigmatization!
That’s what they want to change. But, merely changing the name accomplishes nothing.
That’s why we need comprehensive integrated development!
We need to transform stigmatized areas into vibrant communities.
We need community spaces that promote:
- Cohesiveness
- Local services
- Employment
This is where the elected Member of Parliament must engage local communities in a vision of comprehensive development.
This is where the Member of Parliament must gather all efforts and initiatives—ranging from NGOs to volunteers—towards a unified direction.
This is where the Member of Parliament must ensure that administrations work in coordination and that state resources are effectively utilized.
