Housing developments and sustainability: why legitimacy is key

Provision of adequate housing remains a considerable problem across the world. Indeed, statistics show that the number of people living in informal accommodation rose markedly between 1990 and 2014. Analysts expect this trend to continue.

Such knowledge has intensified the global aim to resolve the plight of the urban poor living in overcrowded slums with inadequate water supplies and sanitation. This issue is a key component of the sustainable development agenda set by the United Nations (UN). Goals of this UN initiative relate to financial prosperity, social inclusion and environmental sustainability.

Attaining so-called “triple bottom-line” objectives rely heavily on commitment...