Infrastructure Development in New Generation Cities

By Sameem Gaffar

In today’s world, the rapid growth of urban populations is putting immense strain on cities and their infrastructure. As more people flock to big cities, policymakers and specialists face the daunting task of making these cities livable for everyone. This challenge becomes even more significant considering that by 2050, approximately 70 percent of the world’s population will be living in urban centers according to the United Nations. The need to create new-generation cities in Africa and the Middle East is crucial to address the infrastructure challenges and ensure social inclusivity and economic opportunities. This article explores the key factors and innovative solutions required for infrastructure development in these regions.

The rise of new generation cities

The world is witnessing the rise of new generation cities, with 32 megacities – A megacity is a city of at least 10 million inhabitants – currently existing globally and an estimated 43 projected by 2030, mostly in Asia and Africa. These regions, however, are also the least resilient to catastrophic ecological threats. To overcome these challenges, new-generation cities must address various infrastructure aspects, including transportation systems, energy sources, waste management, and clean water and sanitation services.

Key factors for enduring success

To ensure the enduring success of new-generation cities, several key factors must be considered during the planning and development stages.

Designs that consider future growth

Designing cities that can accommodate future growth is crucial. A well-crafted Masterplan is essential, but it should also have a calibration mechanism to accommodate potential changes and prevent the project from becoming obsolete. For cities like Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo), and Dar-es-Salam in Tanzania, which are projected to experience significant growth, a combination of retrofits and new infrastructure concepts is necessary.

Harnessing the potential of Infrastructure Technology (InfraTech), which projected to be heavily used in the future city NEOM in Saudi Arabia, can provide innovative solutions to accommodate growth and ensure sustainable development. Smart parking solutions and accommodating bikers and low-emission vehicles should also be part of designs to alleviate congestion and ensure traffic fluidity.

Case study: Kinshasa

One compelling case study is the city of Kinshasa, the capital of the DR Congo. With a projected population of 29 million by 2050, Kinshasa is expected to become the second megacity in Africa. The government of the Kinshasa Province has created a Special Council for the promotion of the Master Plan for the Development of the City of Kinshasa (PDTK), developed by JICA (Japan International cooperation Agency) to attract expertise and investments into the city’s development.

Rebecca Holding, who leads the Council, explained that the main challenge is that Kinshasa was built for 400,000 inhabitants in the 1960s and, today, its 20 million people inhabitants are packed in the same downtown area using the same infrastructure, including water, sewage, electricity. “Nothing has evolved, while 70 percent of Kinshasa’s is still bare undeveloped land, industrial, commercial and residential activities keep popping up in the original congested downtown,” notes Ms. Holding.

The Master Plan aims to resolve this issue by determining the city’s new framework and implementing 117 new projects estimated at US$32 billion. Some of the innovative ideas include implementing a different model for transport infrastructure using the waterways and river transport, as well as smart road traffic management.

“New sub-cities will be built to stretch the communities and decentralize the industrial parks. This will help address the massive shortage of housing in the city. These represent opportunities for foreign investments as DR Congo is asset-rich but lacks funding to meet those investments’ requirements by itself. The main incentive is that DRC is on a trajectory of political stability,” concludes Ms. Holding.

A sustainable funding pipeline

Securing a sustainable funding pipeline is essential for infrastructure development. To attract private capital investment, measures must be taken to address regulatory, governance, and political risks. Currently, investment in infrastructure falls short of the required levels, with an estimated US$15 trillion needed to keep pace with current trends. Additionally, the challenges posed by a changing climate may further increase the required investments. Overcoming political and economic risks, and providing security and guarantee mechanisms, can encourage funding from development funds, private wealth, and other sources.

Project Readiness

Currently, there is a lack of funding and planning at the critical stages of project preparation. Feasibility studies around capital projects that clearly articulate the viability of project and the financial returns are sorely lacking. Far too many projects do not pass the initial stages of fundraising for a lack of preparedness. At times, there is not enough equity in place by the local project owner to satisfy interested investing parties, compounded by the fact that there are inherent impediments for outflow of capital from these underserved regions, for instance when a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) is being considered. Governments need to revisit capabilities in this area and provide the necessary policy and legal framework, for instance, to ensure that Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) arrangements to be concluded safely.

Governance and agility

Efficient project management and governance structures are crucial for successful infrastructure development. Many urban development projects face cost overruns and delays, hindering their intended objectives and deterring potential investors. Implementing appropriate governance structures, reporting mechanisms, and monitoring systems can help mitigate these challenges. The adoption of a Delivery Unit methodology, which ensures oversight and implementation of projects, can help de-risk projects, and ensure their seamless execution.

Infrastructure challenges in new generation cities

New generation cities in Africa and the Middle East face several infrastructure challenges that must be addressed to foster sustainable urbanization. These challenges include sustainability and resilience, digital infrastructure, healthcare infrastructure, waste management infrastructure, energy infrastructure, water infrastructure, and social infrastructure.

Sustainability challenges and resilience

Urban areas contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, and without proper policies, these emissions will continue to rise. In turn, this will lead to increased global warming and associated damages. Cities like Jakarta, which is sinking at an alarming rate, showcase the urgent need for resilient infrastructure. Integrated smart solutions, such as real-time monitoring systems and flood-resistant buildings, can enhance urban resilience and reduce the impact of natural disasters and climate change.

Digital infrastructure

Digital infrastructure plays a vital role in enabling smart cities. In Africa and the Middle East, the development of digital infrastructure is crucial for connectivity, economic growth, and access to information and services. This includes the deployment of high-speed broadband networks, data centers, and the implementation of smart technology solutions.

Healthcare infrastructure

Access to proper healthcare infrastructure is essential for the well-being of residents in new-generation cities. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of robust healthcare systems. Investing in healthcare facilities, medical equipment, and trained professionals is crucial for providing quality healthcare services and ensuring the resilience of cities in the face of future health crises.

Waste management infrastructure and circularity

Efficient waste management is vital for maintaining a clean and sustainable environment. New-generation cities should prioritize the establishment of waste collection systems, recycling facilities, and waste-to-energy plants. Public awareness campaigns and education programs can also help change attitudes towards waste management and promote responsible waste disposal practices.

Energy infrastructure

Investments in energy infrastructure should focus on renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and hydropower. Smart grid technology can optimize energy distribution and consumption, promoting energy efficiency and resilience. Utilizing smart predictive analysis and real-time monitoring can further enhance the control and performance of energy systems. With the popularization of Electric Vehicles (EVs), energy designs in smart cities should cater for charging ports, and recycling of batteries.

Water infrastructure

Access to clean and reliable water supply is essential for residents’ well-being. New-generation cities should prioritize water infrastructure, including water desalination, water distribution networks, and advanced Internet of Water infrastructure. Smart technologies, such as real-time monitoring and leak detection, can ensure the efficient and sustainable management of water resources.

Social infrastructure

Social infrastructure, including educational institutions, cultural centers, recreational facilities, and affordable housing, plays a crucial role in enhancing residents’ quality of life and promoting social cohesion. Governments and private sector entities should collaborate in the construction of social infrastructure to create inclusive and livable communities.

Conclusion

Innovative solutions that integrate technology and sustainable practices are essential for the successful development of tomorrow’s cities. The definition and design of future cities will define how human societies evolve. By addressing various infrastructure challenges, including sustainability, digitalization, healthcare, waste management, energy, water, and social infrastructure, cities can accommodate growing populations while preserving natural resources. Proper project governance principles, scalability, and phased implementation are essential to ensure the longevity and success of these projects. By embracing innovative solutions and integrating technology and sustainable practices, new-generation cities can create smart, resilient, and inclusive urban environments for the future.

Case Studies

• Masdar City: Located in Abu Dhabi, UAE, Masdar City is a prime example of a new generation city that prioritizes sustainable infrastructure. It aims to be carbon-neutral and zero-waste, powered by renewable energy sources like solar and wind power. The city also emphasizes sustainable transportation systems, waste management, and recycling facilities.
• NEOM: NEOM, a new-generation city in Saudi Arabia, aims to be an integrated living lab of InfraTech. With a focus on green hydrogen production and advanced infrastructure technologies, NEOM strives to be a global leader in sustainable urban development. Its water distribution network, powered by an advanced Internet of Water infrastructure, will ensure high-quality drinking water and efficient wastewater management.

Sameem Gaffar is the Vice President of Internationalization at Morgenthau Stirling. You can read his featured article in ME Construction News.