dc.description.abstract | It is now widely recognised that governments alone are incapable of bearing the entire
responsibility of providing housing, infrastructure and other basic services to their
populations. Scarce financial and technical resources and high population growth are
straining the capacity of governments to deal with the problems brought on by rapid
urbanization. Governments and local authorities are therefore called upon to enlist the
support of the private sector, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and community based
groups.
This study examines the role of partnerships in managing the urban environment. It
outlines the importance of partnerships between various agencies, the challenges they face
and the lessons that can forthwith be learnt from them. It emphasizes the need for
government to shift its role from that of a provider to that of an enabler/facilitator in the
provision of urban infrastructure and services.
The study begins by introducing the topic in its global and local context. It also outlines
the research problem, research·hypothesis and research methodology. It defines the
meaning of partnership and mentions some of the arguments that have been put up for and against partnership in urban management. It also highlights the traditional approach to
infrastructure provision (government as sole provider of infrastructure) and its consequent
failures. It emphasizes the need for the shift in the government's role from that of provider
to a facilitator/enabler in facilitating service and infrastructure provision by other sectors
private/commercial and third sectors. It further emphasises the value of partnership in
combining the comparative advantages of public, private and third sectors in urban
mangement | en |