The state and distribution of public open spaces and their implication on their usage in the central division of Kampala

Abstract

Public open spaces are the living rooms/ lungs of the city. They are essential for social interactions and recreation activities, improving well-being of the city dwellers as well as offering economic and environmental benefits. This study examines the state and distribution of public open spaces and its implication on their usage in the central division of Kampala. The study highlights the contribution of public open spaces to urban development, the negative implications of the state and distribution of public open spaces on their usage and suggests possible solutions on how to improve the state of public open spaces in the central division of Kampala. The study was informed by the alarming state of public open spaces and an extensive literature review. The methods of data collection that were used are literature review, observation, interviewing, self-administering questionnaires, photography and mapping, and the data collected was analyzed using SPSS, Excel and Gis softwares. The study showed that the existing seven public open spaces which are under either Kcca or private management are like pocket parks because of their small size serving the growing city population and some lack facilities such as signage, seats, lights, kiosks, public toilets, facilities for people with disabilities, which makes them inefficient for social benefits. According to the study, only 10% of the respondents understood public open spaces for their social, economic, health and environmental benefits, 90% of the respondents perceived them for only their social benefits. It’s not surprising that some people see them as a wastage of space in the city and prefer to set up buildings because they don’t know their value. The study recommends sensitization of the public on the availability, use and value of the public open spaces, designing for inclusivity such as providing facilities for people with disabilities for example ramps and engagement of the community and non-governmental organizations in management and maintenance of the public open spaces so as to improve their quality and create a liveable city.