ABSTRACT
Urban agglomeration brings many potential advantages and disadvantages. The concentration of population and production in cities offers economies of scale that reduce the unit costs of providing infrastructure and services such as piped water, sanitation, refuse collection, electricity, drains and paved roads. It also reduces the unit cost for health, police and fire services, and the provision of facilities such as schools and libraries. Industrial concentration in cities lessens the cost of enforcing regulations on environmental and occupational health and pollution control. The urban concentration of households and enterprises also makes it easier for public authorities to collect taxes and charge for public services.
