What is the source of urban growth and of sustainable urban development? This question has received continuous attention from leaders and citizens alike. We have witnessed an upward shift in planning, budgeting, investments which tend to cement the growing trend that 'urban development' equals infrastructure.
Many of us have fallen captive to this undertaking. We have failed (for lack of a better word) to decipher that problems associated with urban agglomerations have usually been solved by means of creativity, human capital, cooperation (sometimes bargaining) among relevant stakeholders, and 'contextualized' understanding of our problems vis-à-vis local solutions and input.
Put it differently: In the mind of our policy makers and implementers, urban growth is all about roads, roads and roads. Anything else, apart from roads, does not qualify the tag ‘development’.
Notwithstanding the benefits accruing from such ventures, it is logical to point out that any intervention for urban growth which negates the participation and involvement of the people in powering urban economic, social and political engine is a lie. It is doomed to fall.
The crux of this urban development one-sided determinism is solidified by Turkana Governor 'Smart Lodwar' plan. The county envisions upgrading all access roads in the town to bitumen standards. As we speak, Caterpillars are already on the ground and the whole town is just oomph, dusty!
But what passes unnoticed is the 'little' unasked question of the small traders and vendors dotting the town with no permanent place to call a market. For long, they have endured the pain of displaying their merchandise along dusty streets with no assurance of any lasting solution. You see, the resilience of these folks stands tall amidst all these manmade barricades.
Their story evokes several questions: When will plans to set up modern markets for them materialize? Are they part of 'Smart Lodwar' initiative or they will just pass as another bunch of 'unwanted and unfruitful' investors?
It must be remembered that urban growth, as explained by Rodriguez Bolivar and Albert Meijer, is as a result of three elements, namely; a technical strand (smart technologies), a human resource strand (smart people) and a governance strand (smart collaborations).
A technical strand gives more emphasis to expansion, development and/or creation of infrastructures (such as roads, airports and so on) as a catalyst for urban growth.
A human resource strand on the other hand underlines the centrality of the people in making any development plans a reality. It is here that we realize the critical role that the lowest of the low - those we traditionally lock out of urban plans - play in creating a more inclusive and livable place.
It is in this that talents of the urban poor are harnessed and put into meaningful use which in turn lead to prosperity for all.
Governance strand plays a duty of an intermediary. It describes the role of authorities in relation to initiating the face-to-face interactions between the different stakeholders living in the urban area.
Back to 'Smart Lodwar': For how long shall Lodwar 'marketless' traders wait for them to be included in the town's ambitious growth plans?
As a matter of fact, the raging poverty in Lodwar must be contained. There is need for a Marshall Plan to respond to the immediate needs of the people.
Water, trading amenities, small-trader support loans, are in my view, the way to go if we really have the interests of the masses at heart.
Prosperity for the ballooning lower class is prosperity for everybody. It is a win-win game. 'Smart Lodwar' is not just about roads. It must - and should - be about uplifting the weakest of all.
Places like Napetet, Kanamkemer, California and Nakwamekui need special attention. Their success will automatically define the general trajectory of Lodwar town.
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