3.1 Institutional integration
"Metropolitan governance" denotes the frameworks that enable multiple municipalities and potentially other levels of government to collaborate in the provision of services and decision-making within a metropolitan area. It encompasses mechanisms for the coordination of policies, the management of common resources and infrastructure, and the resolution of shared challenges, including transportation, housing, and economic development [86, 87].
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51 experts participated in the questionnaire filling procedure, irrespective of the governance of the city region. 17.6% of the experts expressed agreement with the existence of formal metropolitan governance in coordinating integrated infrastructure planning in the region in response to the query. Although 78.43% of respondents affirm that there is no formal metropolitan governance in the region, this suggests that there is no formal body or institution that coordinates the two cities to plan and provide integrated infrastructure.
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The results of the current analysis are not consistent with those of [86, 87]in 21 countries, spanning 263 metropolitan areas. The OECD survey specifies four metropolitan governance models; however, the current study indicates that there is a dearth of formal metropolitan governance that coordinates city regions for integrated infrastructure planning. This absence was verified through interviews with city leaders. The OECD article emphasizes the experiences of a variety of countries, indicating that formal metropolitan governance has been developed in both federal and unitary systems to integrate city regions. This suggests that formal metropolitan governance is necessary in both systems to facilitate regional integration.
Consequently, the present investigation identified a substantial disparity in comparison to the OECD survey from [87]. The present study identified a lack of formal structures for coordinating city regions, whereas the OECD survey identified four models of metropolitan governance across various countries. This absence was verified through interviews with city leaders. Drawing on the experiences of countries such as the United Kingdom, Finland, Portugal, Mexico, and Australia, the article emphasizes the importance of formal metropolitan governance in both federal and unitary systems to effectively integrate city regions[88–90]. Consequently, the current investigation underscored the necessity of establishing formal structures for regional coordination and integrated infrastructure planning, as it identified a critical void in metropolitan governance in the study areas.
The current investigation poses the inquiry, "In the absence of formal metropolitan governance, does any informal organization, institution, or arrangement coordinate a variety of activities in the regions?" Consequently, 74.5% of the respondents declined, while 23.5% responded in the affirmative. Additionally, the interviews and focus group discussions with city leaders who participated in the study revealed that they establish and manage a temporary joint committee in response to joint federal government agendas, sporadic or seasonal security events, and a variety of common issues. Nevertheless, the study's results indicated that the institutions in both cities continue to operate independently on issues such as water and transportation, which are functionally interconnected.
The aforementioned analysis has shown that there is no informal coordination between the two cities' involvement in a variety of activities. Multiple metropolitan governance models exist, but there is no consensus on a single formula, as per [91, 92]. Nevertheless, [91, 92] differentiates four primary metropolitan governance models according to their institutionalization level. In an article captioned, the four governance models that pertain to this matter are informal self-coordination, inter-municipal authorities, supra-municipal authorities, and special status cities. There are four distinct models, each with its own legal frameworks, institutional structures, cooperation mechanisms, and service delivery systems.
Informal or self-coordination is a result of polycentric urban development, and it is legally regulated by an agreement between participating municipalities and other local stakeholders [93–96]. Nevertheless, do urban areas employ one or a combination of them in accordance with their unique requirements and preferences? Diverse governance models, including informal self-coordination, inter-municipal authorities, special status cities, and inter-municipal authorities, are available to resolve these coordination challenges, as the article observes, as proven by the experiences of various countries[97–99]. Nevertheless, the precise components or combinations of these models that the localities employ in the study areas are still uncertain. In general, informal arrangements do not facilitate the coordination of a variety of activities that involve both communities. The presence of formal or informal institutions summarized in Table 3
Table 3
the presence of formal or informal institutions
No | Issues | Frequency | Percentage |
1 | Infrastructure management | 5 | 9.6 |
2 | project coordination and resource mobilization | 4 | 6.8 |
3 | infrastructure maintenance | 2 | 3.9 |
4 | collaboratively creating an integrated infrastructure plan | 27 | 52.9 |
(Source): Expertise survey, March, 2023 |
The presence of formal or informal institutions demonstrated in Fig. 2.
The current study posed the inquiry, "Who would bear primary responsibility for the available options in this domain, and should we establish formal or informal establishments or agreements?" The responses included infrastructure management (9.6%), project coordination and resource mobilization (6.8%), infrastructure maintenance (3.9%), and collaboratively creating an integrated infrastructure plan (52.9%). The response makes it clear that metropolitan governance is in charge of creating a collaborative integrated infrastructure plan using the options provided. Various scholars have revealed the primary functions of integrated institutions in coordinating urban areas. According to [100–102], formal organizations such as city councils or municipal governments are usually in charge of creating laws and policies that control many aspects of city life, such as housing, transportation, urban planning, and economic growth.
Conversely, informal institutions might affect policy through community involvement initiatives or networks of influence [103, 104]. Only a few of the necessities that are frequently under official agencies' supervision are public transportation, energy, water, and sanitation. According to Pierre and Peters [103, 104], institutions could support these efforts informally through community-based programs or unofficial networks for service delivery. Formal institutions usually plan and carry out big infrastructure projects like utilities, roads, and bridges [105, 106], [103, 104], and [107]. Informal institutions can aid in the development of infrastructure by supporting neighborhood-based projects or utilizing available resources and knowledge [104, 108]. In order to involve communities and encourage citizen engagement in decision-making processes, both official and informal institutions are necessary.
Official institutions could organize town hall meetings, public hearings, or advisory committees to get feedback from locals [109], [110], and [107]. Informal institutions like neighborhood associations or advocacy groups can also mobilize community members and advocate for their interests. Formal institutions such as courts or regulatory agencies frequently serve as dispute resolution methods in city-regions [109], [110], and [107]
Informal dispute resolution procedures or community-based mediation processes may also be used by informal institutions to resolve conflicts [110]. Within city regions, formal entities are in charge of budget development and resource allocation for a range of services and programs. During the budgeting process, informal institutions may advocate for specific goals or influence resource allocation decisions [107].
In response to the question of whether metropolitan governance practices exist in the research region, 74.5% of respondents said they do not, and 17.6% said that they do. This implies that neither of the two cities is implementing the concept of inclusive metropolitan governance. According to [111, 112], management unites governmental agencies, community organizations, the commercial sector, and other organizations to deliver integrated development to the region while defining metropolitan governance. Therefore, in order to effectively develop the infrastructure that connects these locations, governance is a crucial concern.
The findings suggested that there is a lack of implementation of all-inclusive metropolitan governance practices. Only a small proportion (17.6%) reported the existence of such practices, while the majority (74.5%) indicated otherwise. This demonstrated the significance of governance in promoting integrated infrastructure development, as [113] highlighted. Effective governance, which involves collaboration among government institutions, civic associations, the private sector, and other stakeholders, is crucial for planning infrastructure that connects different areas within the metropolitan region.
3.2 Spatial integration
In terms of the potential for coordinating responsibilities to encompass service delivery, 80.4% of respondents agreed, while 19.6% disagreed. This is one of the most significant issues that urban areas are currently confronting in terms of service delivery, and the federal government must give it additional consideration. Not only must cities collaborate, but they must also collaborate to resolve the challenges they face in the provision of services. This is a claim made by Slack [14]
“The jurisdiction that provides the service does not necessarily have to be the one that consumes it. The producing jurisdiction, for example, could sell output to consumers in adjacent jurisdictions. In this way, the producing jurisdiction could benefit from economies of scale in production without having to be part of a larger jurisdiction, that is, without requiring the larger population to be located within its own boundaries. Thus, a larger government jurisdiction is not necessary to achieve economies of scale because the demand and supply of local government services can be separated. Economies of scale can thus be achieved even in a fragmented government system through inter-municipal cooperation or through the creation of special districts to deliver services.” [14]
The theoretical argument that underpins this perspective is predicated on intergovernmental cooperation and collaboration. In order to effectively address complex urban challenges, such as service delivery, effective urban governance necessitates the coordination of multiple actors, including local governments, federal agencies, and civil society organizations, as per scholars such as [114–116]. In order to guarantee that urban residents have both efficient and equitable access to essential services, it is imperative that service delivery duties be coordinated across sectors and jurisdictions.
Improved coordination mechanisms and collaboration frameworks are required to enhance service delivery in urban areas, as the results of the study have demonstrated. In order to foster effective collaboration and resource sharing among cities and government agencies, policymakers can develop strategies and policies that recognize the challenges and opportunities presented by intergovernmental coordination. The significance of coordination and collaboration among jurisdictions to effectively address service delivery challenges in urban areas was also emphasized by the findings. The study also emphasized the potential advantages of inter-municipal cooperation and special districts in reaching economies of scale in service provision within fragmented government systems.
In summary, the theoretical argument and empirical findings underscored the significance of intergovernmental coordination in addressing service delivery challenges in urban areas. It is imperative to improve service provision and improve the quality of life for urban residents through collaborative efforts that are supported by effective governance structures and policies. Regardless of the role civil society plays in inter-jurisdictional coordination, 80.4% participated in planning, 3.9% participated in the imminent committee, 3.9% mobilized resources, and 3.9% provided consultation. The response serves as an illustration that civil society is needed to engage in the planning process. The interview and focus group discussion also underscored the critical role that civil society can play in resource mobilization and consultation. Numerous papers further reveal that civil society's obligations are not limited to this and that they are a significant factor in the collaboration of metropolitan governance from this perspective. [117] propose that civil society can make a substantial impact by engaging in a diverse array of activities.
The critical role that civil society plays in inter-jurisdictional coordination and metropolitan governance is underscored by its substantial involvement in planning processes, resource mobilization and consultation. This is consistent with theoretical arguments that underscore the significance of civil society's active participation in governance processes [117].
Civil society, which includes advocacy organizations, community groups, and non-governmental organizations, serves as a vital intermediary between the public and government entities in the context of governance. Civil society organizations have the potential to enhance accountability, cultivate transparency, and facilitate collaboration within governance structures, as per theorists such as [118] and [119]. They offer valuable perspectives, expertise, and input that enhance decision-making processes and guarantee the inclusivity of governance initiatives.
The results indicate that civil society's participation in resource mobilization, consultation, and planning is crucial for the successful coordination of inter-jurisdictional activities and metropolitan governance. Policymakers and urban planners should acknowledge the contributions of civil society and establish mechanisms to encourage their involvement in governance processes. Incorporating civil society input into decision-making frameworks, providing funding and support for civil society initiatives, and establishing platforms for dialogue are all part of this.
In summary, the active participation of civil society in governance processes is essential for the resolution of complex urban challenges, the promotion of transparency, and the enhancement of collaboration. Policymakers can promote sustainable urban development and an enhanced quality of life for residents by recognizing and utilizing the potential of civil society to establish more inclusive and participatory governance structures.
Similar to civil society, the private sector plays a role in the integration of urban regions. The private sector's role was as follows, according to this perspective: For example, 11.8% of the total is allocated to the development and maintenance of service facilities and infrastructure, the advancement and expansion of existing enterprises, the resolution of inefficiencies in the regional economy, and the promotion and assistance of community development. The response provided illustrates that the private sector's primary obligations encompass infrastructure development and maintenance, investment, and service facility management.
The private sector plays a significant role in the integration of city regions, as it supports the endeavors of civil society and government entities. Theoretical arguments substantiate the notion that the private sector is essential for urban development and governance, particularly in the areas of investment, infrastructure development, and community development [120] and [121].
The private sector's role in propelling economic growth, creating employment opportunities, and fostering innovation is underscored by economic theories, including those proposed by Smith [120] and [121]. The economic development of city regions is facilitated by the private sector's participation in infrastructure development, service facility administration, and investment activities. Furthermore, the private sector's role in addressing inefficiencies in the regional economy and fostering community development is consistent with the concepts of social responsibility and market efficiency.
The results indicate that sustainable urban development and integrated city regions necessitate the utilization of the private sector's resources and capabilities. Through regulatory frameworks, incentives, and public-private partnerships, urban planners and policymakers should establish an environment that fosters private sector involvement. Greater efficiency and effectiveness can be achieved by fostering collaboration among government entities, civil society, and the private sector in pursuit of urban challenges.
In summary, the private sector's involvement in the integration of city regions is multifaceted, comprising investment, infrastructure development, and community development. The significance of utilizing the private sector's potential to address urban inefficiencies, enhance infrastructure, and drive economic development is underscored by theoretical perspectives. Cities can accomplish sustainable and holistic development that is beneficial to both residents and businesses by promoting partnerships and collaboration with the private sector. the role of private sector in metropolitan governance is detailed in Table 4.
Table 4
the role of private sector in metropolitan governance
No | Issues | Frequency | Percentage |
1 | creating and maintaining service facilities and infrastructure | 17 | 33.3 |
2 | making investments | 17 | 33.3 |
3 | advancing and growing already-existing enterprises | 6 | 11.8 |
4 | resolving inefficiencies in the regional economy, and promoting and aiding in community development make up | 6 | 11.8 |
Source(s): Expertise survey, 2023 |
The role of private sector in metropolitan governance shown below in Fig. 3
The focus group discussions and interviews from this perspective asserted that the private sector's role in the study area is not particularly prominent. They argued that the private sector finds participation in these services unfeasible, necessitates significant investment, and generates long-term returns, which is the primary reason for this lack of visibility. Consequently, it will be imperative to enhance the private sector's capacity and establish a variety of incentive mechanisms to engage them in the resolution of the issue.
Border conflict (31.4%), illegality (31.4%), and border cooperation (31.4%) are all identified as issues in the investigation. As is widely recognized, the objective of border area coordination is to establish connections between regions with dissimilar borders. This has the advantage of enabling the unrestricted flow of capital, individuals, goods, and services. However, the coordination of peripheral areas is characterized by distinctive challenges, as demonstrated in [38]. It is evident from the responses that coordination challenges are equally present in all three options. This and other coordination-related issues were extensively discussed during the focus group. Consequently, we predict that the communities will improve coordination by leveraging the current challenges to their advantage and emphasizing its significance.
The current investigation identified three primary obstacles to border area cooperation: border conflict, illegality, and general issues with cooperation. The complexity of coordinating efforts across disparate borders was indicated by the equal acknowledgment of each challenge by respondents. The primary objective of border area coordination is to facilitate the unrestricted movement of capital, people, products, and services by connecting regions with distinct borders. The objective is to encourage economic integration and development in border regions. As emphasized by [122], border area coordination presents distinctive challenges. Addressing challenges such as border conflicts, illegality, and general issues remains a significant concern, despite the acknowledged significance of coordination. Through extensive focus group discussions, we expect that cities will capitalize on current challenges and emphasize the significance of coordination. This implies a proactive strategy for overcoming obstacles and promoting improved collaboration in border regions.
The majority of respondents (60.78%) believed that integrated infrastructure planning has an impact on administrative boundaries, while 35.3 percent believed that it has no influence. Administrative boundaries are influenced by the most integrated infrastructure design, according to the survey experts' responses. Administrative and planning boundaries are evidently distinct. The planning border is defined by the road system, other social amenities, and institutions that are shared by the two cities. It is inevitable that conflicts and disagreements regarding administrative borders will arise when these infrastructures are employed. Socioeconomic interactions are more prevalent within functional urban areas than they are outside of them, as evidenced by administrative boundaries [123, 124]. This is the relationship between administrative boundaries and planning boundaries. We anticipated that the cities will work together to promote integrated development in the region, as they share a common understanding of the natural impact.
The study posited that socioeconomic interactions are more robust within planning boundaries than across administrative borders, emphasizing the interdependence of planning and administrative boundaries in the promotion of integrated development and cooperation. Given the inherent influence of integrated infrastructure planning on administrative boundaries, we anticipate that cities will collaborate to accomplish integrated growth in the region. This implies acknowledgment of the significance of collaboration in overcoming the obstacles presented by overlapping boundaries and promoting regional development.
3.3 Financial integration
As prospective sources of financing, the respondents propose domestic investors (11%), public utilities (3.9%), dedicated government funds (81%), and banks and other financial institutions (3.9%) in relation to financial integration. In conclusion, the respondents stated that the government is the primary source of funds for financial coordination, although investors can also provide financing. This implies that the significance of other financial institutions and banks may fluctuate. It is evident that the financial sector and banks play a substantial role in this situation when the experiences of other countries are examined.
Economic theories, particularly those that pertain to public finance and investment, prioritize finance's contribution to urban development. Government funds are a primary source of finance for urban initiatives, as they have the capacity to mobilize substantial amounts of capital for public infrastructure and services, as shown by theoretical arguments [125]. Furthermore, financial integration is facilitated by domestic investors and financial institutions, such as banks, which provide capital for private sector initiatives and public-private partnerships [126–128].
The results, which suggest that dedicated government funds are the primary source of finance for financial coordination, suggest the significance of public sector investment in urban development. Governments are instrumental in the allocation of resources, the financing of infrastructure projects, and the promotion of economic development through financial policies and initiatives [125, 129, 130]. The potential for collaboration between the public and private sectors to leverage additional funding and expertise for urban initiatives is suggested by the involvement of domestic investors and financial institutions.
In summary, the theoretical perspective on finance in urban development emphasizes the importance of government funds, domestic investors, and financial institutions in the financing of urban initiatives. The results are consistent with these theoretical considerations, emphasizing the importance of government-led financial coordination while also acknowledging the contributions of private sector stakeholders. In order to guarantee sustainable and inclusive urban development, policymakers and urban planners should emphasize the importance of effective financial management, public-private partnerships, and regulatory frameworks.
The results indicate that government allocations and dedicated funds are the primary source of financial integration for infrastructure projects, as indicated by 81% of respondents. Domestic investors are a secondary potential source, which is represented at 11%. This emphasizes the significance of government funding in enabling the coordination of financial resources for the development of integrated infrastructure. Nevertheless, the responses did not consider banks and other financial institutions to be significant contributors, which is consistent with the experiences of other countries where governments and dedicated funds play a central role in infrastructure financing [131, 132].
Consequently, it is crucial for cities to establish distinctive strategies and initiatives in this area. The query of whether the cities collaborate to implement integrated infrastructure was answered affirmatively by 11.8% and negatively by 82.35%. This response indicates that sectoral coordination is almost nonexistent.
A fundamental component of urban governance theories is the coordination of sectors to implement integrated infrastructure coordination. Effective coordination among a variety of sectors, including transportation, housing, utilities, and public services, is fundamental for the comprehensive development of urban areas, according to theoretical arguments [133, 134]. Fragmented development, duplication of efforts, and inefficiencies in resource allocation can be the outcome of a failure to coordinate sectors [64, 135, 136].
The results, which suggested a low level of coordination among sectors for integrated infrastructure coordination, have substantial implications. They indicate that there is a dearth of cohesive urban planning strategies and collaborative endeavors among critical stakeholders, such as government agencies, private enterprises, and civil society organizations. Suboptimal outcomes in infrastructure development, service delivery, and overall urban quality of life may result from this lack of coordination.
In summary, the theoretical perspective on sector coordination underscores the significance of integrated urban governance approaches. The results emphasized the necessity for cities to develop and execute strategies that foster cross-sectoral collaboration, information exchange, and joint decision-making processes [137, 138]. In order to accomplish sustainable and inclusive urban development objectives, stakeholders, urban planners, and policymakers must prioritize the improvement of sectoral coordination mechanisms.
The respondent's assessment is that there is a 23.6% lack of attention, a 60.78% lack of legal framework, a 5.9% lack of police support, and a 5.9% mutual suspicion. The legal framework and police measures are still in the process of being prepared, according to the leaders and experts from the Ministry of Urban Development and Construction who were interviewed.
A robust legal framework and sufficient support from law enforcement agencies are essential for effective coordination in urban development. Urban sectors may experience uncoordinated growth and development as a result of a dearth of attention, coordination, and mutual suspicion in the absence of these. According to the opinions of respondents, key reasons for the lack of coordination include a lack of attention (23.6%), lack of legal framework (60.78%), lack of policy support (5.9%), and suspicion from both sides (5.9%). Leaders and experts from the Ministry of Urban Development and Construction also acknowledged the absence of a prepared legal framework and policy support, indicating ongoing efforts to address these issues.
The findings suggest that the uncoordinated nature of urban sectors significantly contributes to challenges in urban development. Lack of a legal framework and police support can lead to inefficiencies, conflicts, and hindered progress in urban planning and management.
Based on the theoretical argument and findings, it is imperative to prioritize the development of a comprehensive legal framework and provide necessary support to law enforcement agencies. This includes addressing issues of attention, coordination, and mutual suspicion among stakeholders. Such actions are crucial for promoting coordinated urban development, enhancing governance effectiveness, and fostering sustainable growth in urban areas.
When the respondents stated that there are institutions that try to work together in some cases in a fragmented manner, 92.2% said that their coordination is very weak and lax, while 7.8% indicated moderate or that they tried their best, but no one said anything or said that they were strong. Therefore, it is expected to follow the practices of others in this area.
Fragmented coordination among institutions can lead to weak and lax coordination, hindering effective collaboration and integration in urban development initiatives. Without strong coordination, synergies are lost, leading to inefficiencies and suboptimal outcomes.
92.2% of institutions reported very weak and lax coordination as a result of their attempts to work together in a fragmented manner. 7.8% indicated that they were making moderate efforts or attempting their best, but no one reported strong coordination. This underscores the widespread problem of inadequate coordination among institutions involved in urban development.
The results indicate that it is imperative to address fragmented coordination practices in order to enhance the overall effectiveness of coordination and achieve superior results in urban development initiatives. In order to surmount the obstacles presented by inadequate coordination, institutions must implement strategies that foster enhanced communication, collaboration, and integration.
Institutions engaged in urban development must prioritize robust coordination practices in accordance with the theoretical argument and findings. Improving coordination strategies and attaining more impactful results can be facilitated by learning from others in the field who demonstrate effective coordination. Urban development endeavors can be rendered more efficient, synergistic, and conducive to sustainable growth by optimizing institutional coordination.
3.4 Challenges of metropolitan governance
64.7% of respondents identified challenges in metropolitan governance, while 35% indicated that there were no challenges at all. The interviews, focus group discussions, and questionnaires completed by the respondents indicate that metropolitan governance presents challenges for city regions. It is challenging to establish infrastructure that is well-managed, constructed, and administered in a manner that meets the accessibility, livability, and vibrancy needs of the urban system, as evidenced by the results of the current study [139–141]. This underscores the agreement among respondents and prior research that metropolitan governance impedes the effective administration of infrastructure and urban development.
The study's results suggested that stakeholders generally believe that metropolitan governance presents obstacles to city regions. The majority opinion, which is substantiated by a variety of sources of data, emphasizes the importance of addressing governance-related issues in urban management, despite the fact that a minority of respondents did not identify such challenges.
The alignment of these findings with existing research further solidifies the notion that managing urban infrastructure within the framework of metropolitan governance is a complex endeavor[142, 143]. It will be essential to address the identified challenges in order to guarantee the accessibility, viability, and vibrancy of urban systems.
In the future, policymakers and urban planners should implement the insights obtained from this study to develop strategies that are designed to alleviate the obstacles presented by metropolitan governance. The overall resilience and sustainability of city regions in the face of evolving urban dynamics can be improved by promoting collaboration, transparency, and effective decision-making processes within the governance framework. Table 5 presents the Challenges of metropolitan governance.
Table 5
the Challenges of metropolitan governance
No | Issues | Frequency | Percentage |
1 | boundary disputes | 10 | 19.6 |
2 | in efficient administrative systems | 10 | 19.6 |
3 | lack of a legal framework | 26 | 51 |
4 | insufficient resources | 5 | 9.8 |
Source(s): Expertise survey, 2023 |
The Challenges of metropolitan governance summarized in Fig. 4
These challenges encompass the following: insufficient resources (5/9.8%), a lack of a legal framework (51%), efficient administrative systems (19.6%), and boundary disputes (19.6%). The results suggest that the absence of a legislative framework, administrative issues, and boundary disputes are the constraints imposed by the presence of metropolitan governance in the regions. In the same vein, the focal group discussion and the interviews conducted substantiate the aforementioned concepts; the remarks of the participants indicate that neither institutions nor ideas exist at this level. [91, 144] elucidate the perspective in their paper by asserting that these challenges are more severe in established metropolitan areas, such as European city regions.
In addition to the aforementioned concerns, the underlying factors are urban mobility, fundamental sanitation, and housing quality. The aforementioned alternative is known to contain additional issues, which cities are obligated to address. Some of the environmental issues that metropolitan areas frequently encounter and that extend beyond political borders include urban encroachment, air and water pollution, and climate change [145, 146].
The aforementioned discussion implies that the primary obstacles to effective municipal governance are the absence of a legislative framework, administrative issues, and boundary disputes. The efficient operation of urban areas is impeded by these constraints, which also exacerbate extant issues.
In order to confront these obstacles, the federal government could participate in the design or formulation of policies and strategies (47.1%), the provision of supervision (23.5%), the provision of incentives (17.6%), and the allocation of budgets (11.8%). The aforementioned response suggests that the federal government's primary responsibilities include the development of policies and strategies, their supervision, and the provision of incentives and budget allocations for governance. This is why it is essential for the federal government to conduct an adequate amount of work in this field. The federal government has not fulfilled its obligation to manage the challenges of metropolitan regions and has not relinquished its responsibility, despite the fact that this role is essential in addressing issues that frequently transcend local or regional boundaries. This was revealed in the focus group discussion and an interview with the leaders. Federal administrations can be instrumental in addressing the intricate challenges that metropolitan areas encounter by providing resources, establishing frameworks, and coordinating efforts.
For example, federal governments have the ability to allocate financing for infrastructure projects that are advantageous to metropolitan regions, such as transportation networks or environmental initiatives [14, 147]. Furthermore, they have the ability to create policies and regulations that address issues such as urban encroachment, air and water pollution, and climate change, which necessitate coordinated action across multiple jurisdictions [146, 148].
In addition, federal administrations have the ability to encourage collaboration among various levels of government, such as regional and local authorities, in order to create comprehensive strategies for addressing metropolitan challenges [111, 149]. The quality of life for residents can be enhanced by federal governments by providing guidance, technical assistance, and financial support to metropolitan regions, which can help them surmount governance constraints and implement effective solutions [150].
Conflict (35.2%), migration (29.4%), inequality (9.8%), and failure to provide adequate access to services (119.6%) are the opinions of respondents regarding the question "What are the challenges of urban governance?" They clarified that urban governance is confronted with numerous challenges by nearly every option that was presented during the focus group discussion. Therefore, it is crucial to comprehend the detrimental effects of these obstacles on the planning of integrated infrastructure and to resolve them by working against them.