Urban System Studies Financing a City Developing Foundations for Sustainable Growth

The early years of self-government in Singapore were focused on building physical infrastructure for economic and social development, while improvements and expansions to housing, health, education and sewerage systems had to keep pace with a fast-growing population. In financing these projects, the government stuck to the principle of self-reliance, creating the necessary financing frameworks and institutions along the way. This study reviews the development of public infrastructure and services in Singapore, identifying the broad principles this city adhered to in financing infrastructure development and ensuring its long-term sustainability. It includes three case studies, drawn from public transport, public housing and water supply, to provide insights on the evolution of financing principles.