EXPLORING THEORETICAL CONSTRUCTS OF URBAN RESILIENCE THROUGH SMART WATER GRIDS: CASE STUDIES IN AFRICAN AND U.S. CITIES

This review paper explores the theoretical constructs of urban resilience through the lens of smart water grids, focusing on comparative insights between African and U.S. cities. Urban resilience, a critical concern in the face of climate change and urbanization, encompasses the capacity of urban systems to absorb, adapt, and recover from various shocks and stresses. Integrating advanced technologies such as sensors, smart meters, and data analytics, smart water grids emerge as innovative solutions to enhance urban resilience through improved water management. This paper synthesizes the literature on the intersections between urban resilience and smart water grids, highlighting theoretical constructs that emerge from integrating smart water technologies with urban resilience strategies. It discusses the implications of these constructs for urban planning and policy-making, considering socioeconomic, technological, and governance dimensions, and reflects on the importance of contextual factors. The paper identifies gaps in current theoretical and empirical understanding, suggesting areas for future research, including comparative studies and interdisciplinary approaches. By providing a comprehensive overview of how smart water grids contribute to urban resilience, this paper contributes to the broader discourse on sustainable urban development and the role of technology in addressing contemporary urban challenges. Keywords: Urban Resilience, Smart Water Grids, Climate Change Adaptation, Sustainable Urban Development.