Private cities in the developing world

The idea sounds completely absurd but private cities are ostensibly taking off in many developing countries. Marginal Revolution tells the story here.

"Private cities are happening now for a reason. Africa, India, and China are urbanizing more rapidly than has ever occurred in human history. In Africa, the number of urban dwellers is projected to increase by nearly 400 million, in India at least 250 million will move to cities and in China more than 400 million will move to cities in just the next 20 years... The rising middle-class want to live in first-world cities and in many of these countries only the private sector can deliver those cities".

Private cities will surely provide the much desired amentities and infrastructure for those that can afford it, but I worry about the inequality and complete exclusion that can emerge from this. Yes, these cities can probably help places urbanize and provide what Jane Jacobs would call "multiplicity of choice". But if the benefits and opportunities are overwhelmingly concentrated in them -- while neglecting other places in the city -- there could be severe ramifications.