Assessing the impact of road construction on human settlements and land use land cover changes in the project neighborhood: case study area: Mukono-Katosi Road Project

Abstract

Various studies have demonstrated that among all forms of physical infrastructure development, roads hold the unique potential to alleviate poverty on a global scale, particularly in developing nations (Gachassin et al., 2010). A study conducted in Bangladesh in 2009 revealed that villages located along improved road corridors witnessed a 5% reduction in poverty, underscoring the role of road construction as a strategy favouring disadvantaged populations (Wiegand et al., 2017). Extensive research into transportation investments within developing countries has highlighted road infrastructure as a key driver for fostering economic growth (Asomani-Boateng et al., 2015). However, it is essential to acknowledge that road construction or expansion also carries adverse ramifications for the areas where it is undertaken. Khumya & Kusakabe (2015) affirm that road development exerts a profound influence on living conditions in peri-urban residential zones, affecting aspects such as employment opportunities and investments, thereby posing a potential risk of destabilization within these communities. The construction of roads can lead to an influx of affluent individuals, thereby exacerbating socioeconomic disparities within localities (Budiyati et al., 2014). A case in point is Desa Nanga Tumpu in Indonesia, where the construction of roads resulted in the displacement of impoverished residents by wealthier counterparts (Budiyati et al., 2014). Consequently, road construction has the capacity to trigger spatial and socio-economic challenges within communities, particularly among marginalized populations. As a result, in the dynamic landscape of urban development, the relationship between transportation infrastructure and the spatial organization of human settlements has become a subject of paramount importance. Urbanization and population growth are reshaping cities around the world, prompting the need for innovative transportation solutions. One such solution is the construction of roads, which can significantly influence the spatial organization of human settlements and land use patterns in urban areas (Li et al., 2017). The relationship between transportation infrastructure and human settlements is complex and multifaceted. The construction of roads can lead to a lot of changes in land use patterns, settlement distribution, and socioeconomic dynamics within its vicinity (Seto et al., 2014). Improved accessibility and reduced travel times resulting from the constructed roads could attract new development, transforming previously underdeveloped or peripheral areas into desirable locations for residential, commercial, or industrial purposes. Uganda's National Development Plan III (NDP III) plays a pivotal role in guiding the country's socio-economic growth and sustainable development. In the context of assessing the impact of road construction on human settlement patterns and land use changes, the plan emphasizes the importance of infrastructure development as a catalyst for urban transformation (Mawejje & Munyambonera, 2017). NDP III recognizes the potential implications of such projects on urban dynamics and highlights the necessity of comprehensive impact assessments. By focusing on the Mukono-Katosi Road Project, the plan underscores the importance of sustainable urban planning, ensuring that the development not only enhances transportation efficiency but also considers its influence on the local communities and environment. NDP III's emphasis on inclusive and balanced development echoes through this case study, urging stakeholders to monitor and manage the evolving settlement patterns and land use shifts resulting from these road projects. Through this lens, Uganda's NDP III demonstrates a commitment to holistic development that factors in both infrastructural progress and the well-being of the populace. As a result, this study delves into the relationship between road construction projects and urban transformation, focusing on the impact of the Mukono-Katosi Road Project on human settlements and land use changes in its immediate vicinity.