Investigating challenges in achieving sustainable urban infrastructure development in informal settlements

Purpose The informal settlement issues represent significant social, economic and environmental challenges across the globe. The need to upgrade the informal areas is stimulated by the rapid population growth, inadequate infrastructure and poor living conditions. Therefore, in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 11, this study aims to identify and assess the key infrastructure challenges and explore the underlying relationships among them impacting the community members in the informal settlements (IS) in Tanzania. Design/methodology/approach A literature review identified and evaluated 19 infrastructure challenges in the IS. Using a quantitative approach, a questionnaire survey was administered to community members to collect data. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was employed to analyse the quantitative data. Findings Through EFA, the 19 infrastructure challenges were grouped into four distinct categories based on their underlying patterns and relationships. These categories are: (1) economic and environment infrastructure-related challenge; (2) housing and health infrastructure-related challenge; (3) social infrastructure-related challenge and (4) infrastructural cost and quality-related challenge. Practical implications The classification of the challenges into a taxonomy offers pertinent information that can be utilized as a basis for implementing integrated measures. The findings would assist governments, policymakers and other stakeholders in making informed decisions about resource allocation and urban planning strategies. This guarantees that resources and funding are allocated to the most essential areas. Originality/value This study is among the first that identifies the challenges and highlights the relationships among them impacting the IS. The insights drawn from this study would inform government and policymakers in the formulation of inclusive urban policies in collaboration with the built environment professionals to improve access to urban infrastructure services in the unplanned settlements in Tanzania to foster inclusive development and ensure sustainable urban growth.