Provide Drainage
Streets should be designed to move, retain, and transfer water to larger connected systems. Standing water and open sewers cause serious health hazards and are extremely dangerous on streets with narrow rights-of-way.
Informal spaces, especially when lying in hilly areas, should take advantage of the contextual hydrology and topography for laying out drainage and water-supply systems to minimize costs. Provision for trunk infrastructure should be coordinated with street designs.
Ensure Lighting
Ensure that pedestrian spaces are well lit, avoiding dark spots by placing lights at close, regular intervals. Where power supply is not reliable, consider renewable technologies for energy generation. See: Lighting Design Guidance.
Basic Utilities and Services
Develop a strategy to include basic public utilities within the public right-of-way. Street design and access can improve waste collection, recycling, and waste management. Service and emergency vehicles should be accommodated on strategic routes. Drains and openings should be covered and made safe for pedestrians and cyclists. See: Utilities and Infrastructure.
Facilitate Navigation and Wayfinding
It is important to adopt wayfinding and street name systems and signage to ease navigation through these neighborhoods for residents, visitors, and emergency services. See: Wayfinding.
Enhance Collective Transport
Consider options for new collective transport systems to access informal settlements, whether bus, BRT, light rail, or metro. In particularly steep hillside communities, consider aerial lifts or escalators for improved access. Collective transport service must be a reliable, affordable, safe, and efficient alternative to car ownership.
Allow Movement of Goods
Consider the delivery of goods by vehicle to strategic distribution points within the street network, supplemented by a system of smaller carts, vehicles, or carriers that allow the transfer to local homes or businesses. See: Designing for Freight and Service Operators.