Urban Govenance

The development and management of urban centers is one of the major challenges of our time as well as one of the most complex tasks of our societies.

In an increasingly urbanizing world, sustainable urban development will depend largely on the management capacity of cities and the active participation of their citizens.

In cities, it is possible to integrate human, economic and technological resources in an efficient way. Well managed cities are also a pre-condition for successful urban development.

In an increasingly urbanized world, sustainable urban development depends largely on improved management of cities.

Policies and programmes for the development of human settlements require strong, open and accountable local government institutions working in partnership with all interested parties.

Here lies the importance of urban governance. Good urban governance can be defined as an efficient and effective response to urban problems by accountable local governments working in partnership with civil society.

The concept of urban governance refers to the complex set of values, norms, processes and institutions by which cities are managed. Good urban governance works towards making cities more efficient, equitable, safe and sustainable.

Good urban governance involves participatory decision making. It not only involves the federal, state and local governments but also civil society such as the private sector, community – based institutions, the media etc.

The practice of urban governance ensures that views and priorities of these groups are reflected in the priorities of cities and the way they are run.

The progress of a country depends in no small measure on the quality of its governance. While a democratic government may lay the foundation for good governance, a vigilant and active citizenry is essential to its sustenance.

The quality of governance is enhanced when government as a whole and public agencies in particular become open to new ideas and responsive to citizens. Responsiveness in turn is improved when citizens are well informed and collectively seek better performance from these agencies.

Good urban governance is defied within the UNDP – supported Urban Governance Initiative as having nine characteristics namely participation, rule of law, transparency, responsiveness, consensus orientation, equity, effectiveness and efficiency, accountability and strategic vision.

In Malaysia today about 60 per cent of the population reside in urban areas indicating the country is facing rapid urbanization resulting from rural to urban migration.

Our cities and towns are going to be the frontiers for building a new Malaysia. This is where our local authorities have to play a pivotal and crucial role to deal with the many challenges and problems in the urbanized environment.

Local government therefore takes on a center stage as it must have the capacity and the wherewithal to cope with the many issues and find quick and effective answers to community needs and services.

Local government, instead of being the lowest level of government, should become the highest in terms of community needs and services.

As Malaysia undergoes rapid urbanization and with the creation of more cities and towns, local governments which are responsible for providing the community’s needs and services should be put on the national agenda.

To cope with the challenges or urbanization, we need to ensure that our local government service has a much higher capacity in terms of professionalism.

Improving the efficiency of local government requires the appointment of more technical staff such as architects, engineers and other qualified professionals to fill up vacant positions and provide the back-up so that capacity building can be improved.

For local governments to function effectively they must be receptive to public feedback. In this connection, popular participation needs to be promoted with the involvement by citizens through the setting up of consultative committees in which the public can put forward their views and suggestions.

Urbanization should also lead to community spirit building. Where new buildings and housing estates are built, pro-active efforts must be made to build a sense of community and co-operation among the multiethnic residents which will be beneficial to our multiracial country in terms of generating goodwill and unity.

The rapid urbanization taking place now also necessitates the development of a government funded Center or Institute for Urban Governance which can eventually function as a center of excellence to undertake research and provide consultancy on all urban issues as well as training of local government officials to better manage our cities and towns.

Cities and towns must have a clear vision and adopt a holistic approach in managing their future.

They must be shaped and developed with five key elements in mind namely, they must be developed to be socially just, ecologically sustainable, politically participatory, economically productive and culturally vibrant.