VITAL INFRASTRUCTURES: PRECARIOUS PRESENCE AND THE CO-CONSTITUTION OF URBAN SPACES, LIVES, AND GOVERNANCE.

This article examines the concept of infrastructure in urban areas, specifically focusing on Windhoek, Namibia. It emphasizes the importance of informal and shared infrastructures in meeting the basic needs of residents when formal systems are lacking. These "vital infrastructures" not only support daily life but also shape social relationships, governance, and political agency. The article highlights the involvement of various actors, such as family networks, religious communities, NGOs, and political parties, and argues for a broader understanding of infrastructure beyond state-controlled systems. It discusses how people in Windhoek navigate their urban environment, utilizing both traditional and new methods to seek personal advancement and mutual support. The government has responded to residents' needs by implementing informal settlement upgrading policies, extending services, and making legislative changes. The interactions between residents and the government have resulted in a practical regime for everyday governance that combines formal and informal elements. The article concludes by asserting that vital infrastructures, encompassing social relationships, political relations, materials, and technologies, have a significant impact on cities, urban lives, and governance. [Extracted from the article]