Sustainable Urbanization and Development Goals Strategy through Public–Private Partnerships in a South-Asian Metropolis

Abstract

Abstract:Contemporary urbanization appears as a conundrum especially in developing nations. This study will act as an accelerator to spill out snags caused by urbanization with a new approach in the development of sustainable infrastructure through Public-Private Partnerships (3Ps). This study first explains the complications generated by rapid urbanization in different infrastructural sectors in South Asian mega cities like Dhaka and Lahore. Second, the findings of the study elaborate on a new mechanism to adapt to Sustainable Development Goal 11 declared by the United Nations with the engagement of different stake holders working in different silos through 3Ps (like BOT, BOOT, BLT, DBF, PFI etc.). This study uses case studies as part of the research mixed methodology. Studies on Dhaka and Lahore including multi projects through 3Ps, and a detailed questionnaire survey based on critical risk factors from the Meta review of 3P literature are presented to establish the current status of sustainable development goals. This paper primarily contributes in two ways. First, by providing a new direction to policy makers to devise policies using a twofold approach i.e., grasp urbanization with sustainable infrastructure delivery by sustainable enactment of 3P projects. Second, bridge the knowledge gap by identifying the risk factors in the sustainable establishment of 3P projects in developing nations.

Investigating the Sustainability Performance of PPP-Type Infrastructure Projects: A Case of China

“…As defined in the Brundtland Report "Our Common Future" in 1987 [31], the concept of "sustainable development" has been extensively supported and addressed by people from all walks of life and governments worldwide [32]. Evaluation not only on the macroscopic level (e.g., national strategy) but also on the microscopic level (e.g., project sustainability appraisal or feasibility study) [8,13,33] in the perspective of sustainable development is crucial. On one hand, infrastructure projects have non-negligible effects on the economy, environment, and society, as three bottom lines in sustainability [34,35], due to a massive investment and a large consumption of resources [18].…”

“…In 2014, the State Council of China published the "Guidance for Strengthening the Management of Local Government Debts", which restricted local governments' financing platforms and funding [7]. Faced with the shortage of funds [8], governments were compelled to seek cooperation from private sectors, who can provide a large amount of funds, to participate in public infrastructure construction [9,10]. Under this economic circumstance, PPP has experienced a rapid expansion and a boom period for the last five years in China [5,11].…”

Financial Eco-Innovation as a Mechanism for Fostering the Development of Sustainable Infrastructure Systems

“…The participation of the private sector through PPPs in the development of infrastructure systems is motivated by the need to improve the functioning and coverage of goods and services. Given the scarcity of public funds and restricted debt capacity, the gap between the infrastructure investments and the capacity of national budgets to fulfil this demand is widening throughout the world [85]. Thus, some countries have elected to transfer the provision of infrastructure to the private sector [86][87][88].…”

Developing a project sustainability index for sustainable development in transnational public–private partnership projects

“…Generally, the SDGs of the 2030 Agenda present an instant objective and challenge for all countries around the world (Nations, ). Two important goals of the SDGs are “to build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation” and “to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.” Infrastructure projects are therefore considered the main driver for development and comprehensive amplification (Anwar et al, ). Many governments are more aware of their responsibility and require that companies executing projects with huge impact on society such as TPPP projects will develop strategies and be proactive to ensure sustainability and attainment of SDGs (Aarseth, Ahola, Aaltonen, Økland, & Andersen, ).…”