In the attempt to mitigate the lack of an adequate urban infrastructure,
the people who live in precarious settlements have developed certain
social practices and have come up with informal and alternative urban
development strategies. These ought to be integrated within the relevant
official policies.
A prudent environmental management policy is a prerequisite for
sustainable urban development – but it is not enough. All who deal with
urban issues in their line of work, including the authorities in charge of
metropolitan development, must be trained in order to acquire the
necessary competence and tools