Sustainable Operation and Maintenance of Urban Infrastructure: Myth or Reality?

Abstract

It has become increasingly apparent that a paradoxical situation is emerging with respect to urban services in less developed countries. On the one hand a huge demand for urban infrastructure has resulted from rapid urbanization; on the other, existing infrastructure is falling into disrepair before completing its design life. Operation and maintenance (O&M) has been identified by commentators as the key to enhancing the sustainability of existing infrastructure and assets. However, there is a general lack of understanding by stakeholders about the role of operation, maintenance and sustainability in the context of good governance. The aim of this paper is to explore the constraints to operation, maintenance, and sustainability of urban services. The findings are based on case studies from India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. In each of the case locations, projects were completed more than