An Analysis of Housing and Community Environment in Mongolia
Introduction
This study aims to examine the dynamics of housing and community environments, and related public policies in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, using data collected from a citizen questionnaire survey. The primary goal of the study is to establish new policy directions for housing and community development, based on the insights gained from the survey responses. As Ulaanbaatar continues to experience rapid urbanization, it faces significant challenges in managing air pollution, traffic congestion, and urban sprawl. This research seeks to address these challenges by proposing targeted solutions that foster a more sustainable and inclusive community environment, balancing the need for infrastructure development with the welfare of the citizens.
The Current State of Housing and Community Environment in Ulaanbaatar
Ulaanbaatar, the capital city of Mongolia, has witnessed unprecedented growth in recent decades, resulting in significant changes to its housing and community environments. A large portion of the population lives in ger areas, which are traditional Mongolian dwellings made of felt and wood, scattered around the city. These areas are often referred to as informal settlements or squatter zones, characterized by inadequate infrastructure, limited access to public services, and poor housing quality. In contrast to the ger areas, the city centre has seen the construction of high-rise buildings, catering to the growing demand for modern housing.
According to the citizen survey, Mongolian citizens expressed growing concerns regarding the quality of their housing and community environment. Although many citizens are upgrading their housing conditions, satisfaction levels in certain neighbourhoods have decreased due to transportation issues, insufficient infrastructure, and safety concerns within the housing and community environment. Citizens voiced their desire for more government intervention, especially in addressing air pollution, which is a major issue in Ulaanbaatar during the winter months, as well as the escalating traffic congestion that hampers daily commuting. These environmental factors severely impact the quality of life in the city, making it crucial for the government to prioritize public policies that can create a healthier and more livable housing and community environment.
Citizens’ Expectations and Preferences
The survey results indicated that Ulaanbaatar’s citizens want the government to take a more active role in resolving the city’s pressing challenges. Among these, air pollution was identified as the most urgent issue, with citizens urging the government to adopt measures to reduce emissions from industrial activities, coal burning, and traffic. The city’s high levels of air pollution, particularly during the winter months, pose a serious threat to public health, leading to respiratory diseases and other health complications. In light of these concerns, citizens stressed the importance of investing in alternative energy sources, expanding green spaces, and promoting sustainable urban practices that could mitigate pollution and improve the overall housing and community environment.
Traffic congestion was another prominent issue raised by respondents. The rapid growth of Ulaanbaatar’s population and the lack of efficient public transportation systems have contributed to long commute times, overcrowding, and an overall stressful daily experience for citizens. As urban mobility remains a critical concern, respondents urged the government to improve public transportation infrastructure, including expanding bus and subway networks, and to develop more pedestrian-friendly urban areas. By doing so, the government could alleviate some of the stress caused by traffic congestion, enhance housing and community environment, and promote more sustainable commuting patterns.
The survey also revealed that citizens wanted the government to focus on low-cost housing projects. Affordable housing has become a significant challenge for many citizens, particularly in the face of increasing property prices and the growth of informal settlements. Respondents emphasized the importance of providing more affordable housing options, which would help to ease the housing crisis and contribute to the overall improvement of housing and community environment. This could include the development of mixed-income housing projects that are designed to foster social inclusion and reduce disparities in living conditions across the city.
Additionally, citizens called for more attention to be paid to building material industries. As the city continues to urbanize, the demand for construction materials has risen sharply. However, many building materials used in the construction of new homes are substandard and pose risks to residents’ safety and health. Ensuring the availability of high-quality, affordable building materials would not only improve the quality of housing but also enhance housing and community environment by creating safer and more durable homes for residents.
Challenges in Urban Development
Despite the growing demand for improved housing and infrastructure, Ulaanbaatar faces numerous challenges in urban development. One of the most pressing issues is the expansion of the ger areas, which continue to spread outwards, exacerbating the problem of urban sprawl. This unchecked growth has led to overcrowding, limited access to basic services, and environmental degradation. The spread of informal settlements is a significant obstacle to the creation of a well-planned and cohesive community environment, as these areas often lack proper infrastructure such as roads, water supply, sanitation, and electricity.
To address these issues, the Mongolian government has implemented many urban redevelopment projects, which typically involve the demolition of ger areas and the construction of high-rise buildings. While these projects are intended to modernize the city and improve housing quality, they often displace vulnerable populations and fail to address the root causes of the housing crisis. The government’s focus on large-scale redevelopment projects has also led to concerns about the preservation of community environments and the displacement of long-standing residents who have strong ties to their neighbourhoods.
Another major challenge is the inadequacy of infrastructure in many neighbourhoods. While some parts of the city have access to modern infrastructure, large swathes of Ulaanbaatar remain underdeveloped, with limited access to essential services such as clean water, sewage systems, and reliable electricity. This lack of infrastructure has a significant impact on the community environment, as it affects the quality of life for residents and hinders the city’s ability to accommodate future growth.
Recommendations for Improving the Community Environment
Based on the survey results and analysis, this study proposes several recommendations for improving housing conditions and community environments in Ulaanbaatar. First, the study advocates for a site-upgrading strategy that focuses on improving existing settlements through self-help efforts. This approach would reduce the financial burden on low-income families, particularly in areas where the government is unable to provide full-scale redevelopment. By providing support for local residents to upgrade their own homes, the government can empower communities and foster a sense of ownership and responsibility toward their living environments.
Second, the study recommends the adoption of the “compact city” concept, which emphasizes the efficient use of land and resources to prevent excessive urban sprawl. A compact city model would prioritize the development of mixed-use neighbourhoods, with a balance of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces. This would help to create more livable, sustainable, and accessible communities, reducing the need for long commutes and improving the overall housing and community environment.
Finally, the government should focus on improving public transportation infrastructure and expanding green spaces. By prioritizing sustainable urban mobility and creating more green spaces, the government can reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality, and enhance the overall housing and community environment for Ulaanbaatar’s residents. In conclusion, addressing the challenges facing Ulaanbaatar’s housing and community environments will require a holistic approach that takes into account the needs of citizens, the limitations of urban infrastructure, and the potential for sustainable development. By implementing targeted policies and strategies, the government can create a more livable and inclusive urban environment for all residents.
For further reading:
Housing Finance System and the SDGs – mik.mn