Community participation in slum upgrading: A key to attainment of inclusive city

Abstract

Urban population explosions in the developing world have been attributed to proliferation and formation of slum particularly as a result of disproportionate provision of basic infrastructure. Infrastructure provision and maintenance has remained one of the major challenges facing the cities, most especially the slum settlements in the developing countries of the world. Inadequate financial resources in tackling many urban challenges have led to partial withdrawal of government from providing and maintaining basic neighbourhood infrastructure in the cities. It is therefore very evident that inclusive city cannot be achieved without effective community participation. It is in view of this that this study examined challenges facing slum settlements, benefits and shortcomings of residents’ participation in upgrading projects and framework for sustainable community participation upgrading project. The study concluded that the meagre community resources of slum dwellers in the face of economic recession are not sufficient to meet the development need of the slum, especially in the area of infrastructure refurbishment. The study, amongst others, recommended adoption of community-driven development approaches in upgrading projects in poor urban communities and adequate resource allocation to projects as effective tools for achieving social inclusion and attainment of desired inclusive city.