Abstract :
Through an urban management approach to land development, government can relate differently to the private sector so that more effective use is made of its own limited capacities. Circumstances in Nepal illustrate the potential benefits and features of such an enabling strategy. Although a number of actions may be effective, the installation of service infrastructure may be key. However, regulation and negotiation seem necessary compliments of enabling efforts, if the public interest is to be secured. Putting enabling strategies into practice will require new capacities, both within government and the private sector.