Examining the impact of in-situ infrastructural upgrading on sustainability in informal settlements: The case of Accra, Ghana

Abstract

ABSTRACT Many researchers advocate in-situ upgrading (providing local services and infrastructure) over relocation or resettlement for informal settlement intervention. However, the outcomes from the in-situ approach should be studied further, especially how they affect neighborhood sustainability. Toward that end, this paper investigates how the sustainability performance of settlements correlates with in-situ upgrading. Since Accra broadly employs in-situ upgrading to help underserved areas catch up, it serves as a helpful case study to identify how other African cities could evolve in the future. The findings show that in-situ infrastructural interventions will lead to better sustainability. Meanwhile, the satisfaction levels of infrastructure interventions are varied not only because of the different locations and stakeholders, but also due to their comprehensiveness and the timely upgrades undertaken for settlement expansion. This paper suggests in-situ upgrading is fundamental to Accra and many other African cities as it represents an essential guide to urban development and an opportunity for a “bottom-up” response to existing households.