A 'more' participatory approach to informal settlement development: possible and desirable? The case of Orangi Town, Karachi
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2021-08-12
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en
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In many cities in the Global South, rapid urbanisation is causing growth pains. It has often led to the creation of large informal settlements where people face uncertainty regarding land tenure and difficulty accessing public services. In this research, the potential role that community participation in planning might play in bringing about alternative approaches to developing informal settlements is studied. This phenomenological study mainly uses in-depth interviews and a virtual street observation to uncover the potential of participatory planning in a context of urban informality, and it gives the case of Orangi Town in Karachi, Pakistan centre stage. The results show, first of all, that Orangi Town face the typical difficulties present in many informal settlements. These issues are exacerbated by corruption and political patronage. Most development therefore takes place through private investment projects instead of holistic development visions. Moreover, the research shows that participatory approaches to planning have been used frequently in Karachi, and that these tactics have proven to be valuable but not without problems. It also shows that these same approaches may be used in different contexts in the Global South, and may be a successful and just way to improve the lives of inhabitants.
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Faculteit der Managementwetenschappen