Gilbert, A; (2013) How to help, and how not to help, the poor in the megacities of the South. City , 17 (5) 628 - 635. 10.1080/13604813.2013.827838.

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Abstract

Generalising about urban governance and the urban poor across most of the globe is unhelpful. Unfortunately, I see far too many current examples of that disease. Latin America is not China and is most certainly not like most of Africa or the Indian subcontinent. A recent paper in this journal argued that every city in the South suffers from poor and corrupt management. While accepting that such a diagnosis is true of too many cities, this paper offers an antidote. It explains how Bogota, Colombia, was transformed from a bankrupt and excessively politicised city into one that is quite well run. Unfortunately, Bogota´ also demonstrates that progress follows an uncertain path and corruption reappeared in spectacular form when the electorate voted in a dishonest mayor. If Bogota´ is no longer quite the model of competent management it once was, it demonstrates that decent government is possible in the South. That is a vital ingredient if the quality of life of poor people is to improve.

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