Maximising Use Value: Action Guide for Informal Areas

This Action Guide addresses concerns of the local government in Greater Cairo when dealing with informal areas. It demonstrates that there are positive practices of local communities as well as potentials resulting from the urban fabric of such areas. These potentials counterbalance the problems that the local government is facing and minimise required interventions from authorities. The Action Guide proposes some practical actions to be taken by local government, that capitalise on the above mentioned advantages, highlighting the benefits for both the local government and the local community.
The Action Guide targets decision-makers at the three levels of governance (national, regional and local) and supports constructive interactions between them. It is also informative to the national government on local government operations and daily challenges, leading to appropriate support and empowerment to ensure effectiveness of the local government. For governors and governorate administration, the Action Guide outlines the direction of strategies that improve informal areas through partnership with local stakeholders. For district chiefs and their administrations, the Guide points out practical actions that yield direct positive impact on local conditions. Finally, the Action Guide promotes a participatory approach towards integrated upgrading of informal areas.
The common factor among the recommended actions is to give due attention to good planning of public spaces and local services. This should happen in consultation with local stakeholders and users, men and women, to develop their sense of ownership and their contribution to the operation and maintenance of local amenities. Local administration can use the Action Guide in a flexible manner to enable and regulate residents’ activities and actions in a way that maximises their usefulness to the local community while mitigating their negative impact. Using this Action Guide thus contributes to practicing good governance.