With urbanization comes the increasing need for sustainable infrastructure investments;
better planning and management capacity of sector departments, urban authorities, and water
utilities; and improved understanding of the environmental impacts brought about by rapid
economic growth. The emphasis on green and clean technologies is increasing in national and
subregional forums and among government stakeholders. There is a need to strengthen urban
planning and management (including environment and gender issues) at the national and
subnational levels to safeguard against disorganized growth, inefficient land use, damage and
loss of natural resources, and inequitable access to urban services.