Water Security and Access to Basic Services: Assessing Urban Vulnerabilities in the Global South

Abstract

Spatial and social inequalities among residents represent major vulnerabilities to urban resilience. In this thesis, inequalities in access to basic infrastructure and distribution of urban resources are assessed in the Global South context. First, 122 studies on slum infrastructure are reviewed and the most frequently assessed quantitative indicators determined. Access to municipal services is among the most prevalent indicators. Then, the challenge of basic services provision in 2030 is scoped for six developing cities. Large investments or conservation efforts are expected to be required, especially for waste collection and water provision. Finally, a district-level urban water security framework is developed and applied to six case studies. The results show that water insecurity tends to increase from the city-centre to its periphery. Water insecurity also shows a strong negative correlation with income. The quantitative information and insights provided here can aid in planning of more equitable and resilient cities.