Streets as Tools for Urban Transformation in Slums: A Street-Led Approach to Citywide Slum Upgrading

Introduction: The Role of Streets in Slum Upgrading

Slums are a persistent challenge in rapidly urbanizing cities, often characterized by inadequate infrastructure, poor living conditions, and social exclusion. Traditional slum upgrading approaches typically focus on housing improvements or tenure regularization but often fail to achieve citywide impact due to high costs and logistical constraints. This document proposes an alternative: a street-led approach that leverages streets as the primary tool for urban transformation.

Streets are more than just pathways; they serve as vital public spaces that connect communities, facilitate economic activity, and provide access to essential services. By prioritizing street networks in slum upgrading, cities can trigger systemic improvements in infrastructure, mobility, and social cohesion, ultimately leading to more inclusive and sustainable urban development.

Why Streets? The Multifunctional Benefits

Streets are the backbone of urban life, especially in informal settlements where space is limited. A well-planned street network can deliver multiple benefits:

1. Improved Mobility and Accessibility – Many slums lack proper roads, forcing residents to navigate narrow, unpaved paths. Upgraded streets enhance connectivity, making it easier for people to access jobs, schools, and healthcare.
2. Enhanced Infrastructure Delivery – Streets provide the physical space for laying water pipes, sewage systems, and electricity lines, addressing critical service gaps.
3. Economic Opportunities – Vibrant street markets and roadside businesses thrive when streets are well-designed, boosting local economies.
4. Social Integration – Public streets foster interaction among residents, reducing stigma and promoting community cohesion.
5. Scalability – Unlike housing-focused interventions, street upgrades can be implemented incrementally and expanded across entire cities.

Key Principles of the Street-Led Approach

The document outlines several guiding principles for implementing a street-led slum upgrading strategy:

1. Incremental and Phased Development – Instead of large-scale demolitions or relocations, improvements should happen gradually, allowing communities to adapt.
2. Participatory Planning – Residents must be involved in designing street layouts to ensure solutions meet their needs and prevent displacement.
3. Multi-Sectoral Integration – Streets should be planned with utilities (water, sanitation, electricity) in mind, avoiding costly retrofits later.
4. Flexibility and Adaptability – Designs should accommodate future growth, allowing for adjustments as neighborhoods evolve.
5. Citywide Perspective – Upgrading should align with broader urban plans to ensure connectivity between slums and formal city areas.

Implementation Strategies

The street-led approach involves several strategic steps:

1. Mapping and Prioritization – Identifying key streets that serve as primary connectors within slums and linking them to the broader urban grid.
2. Right-of-Way Negotiation – Securing space for streets through community agreements rather than forced evictions.
3. Infrastructure Coordination – Integrating drainage, water supply, and electricity into street construction to maximize efficiency.
4. Public Space Enhancement – Designing streets with sidewalks, lighting, and greenery to improve safety and livability.
5. Regulatory Adjustments – Adapting land-use and building codes to recognize informal settlements and enable incremental upgrades.

Case Studies and Evidence

The document highlights successful examples where street-led approaches have transformed slums:

• Brazil’s Favela-Bairro Program – Rio de Janeiro upgraded streets in favelas, integrating them into the formal city grid while improving infrastructure and public spaces.
• India’s National Urban Livelihoods Mission – Streets were redesigned to support street vendors, enhancing livelihoods and urban mobility.
• Kenya’s KISIP Program – Focused on street networks in informal settlements to improve drainage and reduce flooding risks.

These cases demonstrate that street interventions can catalyze broader improvements in living conditions and economic opportunities.

Challenges and Considerations

While promising, the street-led approach faces obstacles:

• Land Tenure Issues – Unclear property rights can complicate street expansions.
• Funding Constraints – Municipal budgets are often insufficient, requiring innovative financing models.
• Community Resistance – Some residents may fear displacement or increased taxes post-upgrading.
• Coordination Among Agencies – Effective implementation requires collaboration between transport, housing, and utility providers.

To overcome these challenges, the document recommends:

• Strong community engagement to build trust and ensure local ownership.
• Blended financing (public-private partnerships, international aid) to fund projects.
• Policy reforms to support incremental regularization of informal settlements.

Conclusion: Streets as Catalysts for Inclusive Cities

The street-led approach offers a practical and scalable solution to slum upgrading, shifting the focus from isolated housing projects to integrated urban development. By treating streets as multifunctional public goods, cities can unlock systemic improvements in infrastructure, mobility, and economic opportunity.

This approach aligns with global agendas like the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 11) and the New Urban Agenda, emphasizing inclusive, resilient cities. While challenges remain, the potential for streets to transform slums—and entire cities—is immense.

Ultimately, streets are not just routes for movement; they are the veins of urban life, and investing in them can pave the way for more equitable and sustainable cities.

Also Read: Seoul Housing Policy