Assessing the impact of community involvement in the urban design processes : case study - Wamala ward - Nansana Municipal Council physical development plan 2020-2025 project

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to evaluate the impact of community involvement in the urban design processes in Wamala Ward, Nabweru Division, Nansana Municipal council. Community participation has been regarded as the force in creating spaces that are more responsive to community needs and priorities, ensuring most effective neighborhood plans resulting from informed residents collaborating with local authorities. This study delves into evaluating how involving the community in the urban design processes impact the design outcomes. Effective community engagement is guided by key principles such as inclusivity, transparency, and accountability, and can lead to a range of benefits, including improved public health, increased social cohesion, and enhanced economic development. This study was based on key 3 objectives i.e. to examine the level of community involvement in the design and implementation of the Wamala Ward detailed Physical Development Plan, to identify the major barriers limiting effective community participation in urban design processes, and to analyze how community input influences decision-making in the urban design process outcomes. The study’s main focus was Wamala Ward being one of the areas of priority for the implementation of the Physical Development Plan for Nansana Municipal council. The primary attraction in Wamala Village is the Wamala Tombs, which serve as the burial site of Ssekabaka Suuna II, the 29th king of Buganda. This site is not only significant for its historical value but also for its architectural features. The tombs are housed within a large grass-thatched hut adorned with intricate designs made from reeds, symbolizing the unity of Buganda's clans. Visitors can learn about the life and reign of Kabaka Suuna II, who ruled from 1836 to 1856 and was known for his despotic rule and significant contributions to trade by welcoming Arab traders into Buganda. The impact of community engagement in urban planning on sustainable development is a subject of growing significance as cities grapple with the challenges of rapid urbanization. This study delves into the multifaceted relationship between community involvement in the planning process and the achievement of sustainable development goals. By examining case studies and assessing the outcomes of participatory initiatives, the research aims to shed light on the effectiveness and implications of community engagement in shaping urban environments that are both socially inclusive and environmentally sustainable. Contemporary planning theories acknowledge the value of community participation in the development processes of our built environment, suggesting that community involvement has the potential to achieve a more sustainable outcome. Research in this field indicates that citizen participation can generate trust, credibility and commitment regarding the implementation of policies. This paper investigates tools to measure the effectiveness of public participation and their influence on urban development processes. Based on a literature review, a framework of indicators was developed, which has been used to analyse the community participation process in the development of the ‘Greater Christchurch Urban Development Strategy’, a collaborative initiative to develop a growth strategy for the Christchurch region in New Zealand. Results from this case study suggest that there is a relationship between the various indicators and the main findings can be summarized as follows: (i) Most sectors of the community appear to have an interest in their built environment and urban planning processes, provided that their involvement is encouraged by stimulating information and expertise is provided to support their contributions. (ii) Although no conclusions on the motivation of the various participants in the process were reached, the professionals involved appear to have a strong interest in networking and the sharing of expertise. (iii) A commonality in the views of the public was observed, with a focus on the ‘big picture’ rather than selfinterests. (iv) Collaborative planning was experienced as an effective technique for consensus building between professionals. (v) The quality of resources and allocation of time appear to be influential in a community participation process. (vi) Indications were given that process and product outcomes should not be evaluated separately.