- Poverty is the most significant reason behind the creation of slums. So, the issue of poverty must be addressed first by policymakers.
- There is also a need for future policies to support the livelihoods of the urban poor by enabling urban informal-sector activities to flourish and develop. Slum policies should be integrated within broader, people-focused urban poverty reduction policies that address the various dimensions of poverty.
- Easy geographical access to jobs through pro-poor transport should also be created.
- Adequate data should be gathered by conducting various studies before the formulation of any policy.
- There is also a need for investment in citywide infrastructure as a pre-condition for successful and affordable slum upgrading, which could also act as one strong mechanism for reversing the socio-economic exclusion of slum dwellers.
- Steps should be taken such that a higher and more stable income be made accessible to slum dwellers through their employment in productive jobs. This is because employment opportunities in urban centres that pay well has the potential to generate a healthy and sustainable lifestyle in the slums.
- Lastly, slums should be developed because developing slums also trigger local economic development, improve urban mobility and connectivity, and integrate the slums, which are enormous economically productive spheres, into the physical and socioeconomic fabric of the wider city.
Local governments should develop strategies to prevent the formation of new slums. These should include access to affordable land, reasonably priced materials, employment opportunities and basic infrastructure and social services. Public investments must focus on providing access to basic services and infrastructure. Working with urban poor, cities need to invest in housing, water, sanitation, energy and urban services, such as garbage disposal. Developing cities requires local solutions. Local authorities need to be empowered with financial and human resources to deliver services and infrastructure to urban poor. Cities should draw up local long-term strategies for improving the lives of slum dwellers.
