An assessment of compliance of spatial developments with the physical development plan in Iganga Municipal Council, Uganda

Abstract

The study on an assessment of compliance levels of Spatial Developments to the Physical Development Plan from 2001 to 2021 in Iganga Municipal Council was selected because of its strategic and functional roles in implementation of spatial developments which started in 1910 when the protectorate administrators established its Busoga (Jinja Municipal Council), the developments were half hazard and temporary in nature but later it was followed with the commercial developments in 1920s by Asians. The study combined several research approaches like; qualitative and quantitative research using both Primary and secondary data from the field, various reports and policy documents from different agencies addressing factors affecting compliance levels of spatial developments with the Physical Development Plan. In addition GIS was used to spatially assess the levels of compliance of spatial developments in with the Physical Development Plan focusing on the land use changes from 2001 to 2021. The research methods employed included; direct observation, face to face interviews, questionnaires and focus group discussion. The study findings that, out of total planned land area of 687 hectares, 220.8 hectares of area and spatial developments therein did not to comply with the Physical Development Plan between 2001 to 2021 as result of factors such as; inadequate sensitization, meagre budgets, outdated and absence of the physical development plan, Political influence, Land tenure systems, delays in approval of development applications, Municipal boundary challenges and Absence of some professionals (Architects and Engineers) leading to negative implications like; Un-authorized developments, changes in land use zones, low level of economic growth, Loss of desirable space, encroachment on environmentally sensitive areas and Poor solid waste management. To respond to these factors and implications, some policy recommendations were proposed which include; increment of public awareness and establish an E-Consultation Portal on spatial development requirements, provision of adequate funding, expediting the process preparing Physical Development Plans, creation of conducive political environment and punishing corrupt officers in Courts of Law, expediting the process of Land acquisition and approving development applications, settlement Iganga Municipal boundary challenges and Gazettement and listing of registered and licensed development professionals.