An investigation into the lack of adherence to building regulations in the self-build housing model for peri-urban areas: the case of Masooli village at Kyambogo, Wakiso district.

Abstract

In an attempt to achieve building regulations, countries have adopted various regulations including building regulations, transfer of development rights and zoning to manage physical growth. However, adherence to these regulations appears to be largely ineffective especially in developing countries. The question of these increasing non-adherence to building regulations is a matter of concern. This study therefore sought to obtain valuable insights into residential property owners/developers ‘adherence to building regulations in Masooli Village. The study adopted a qualitative and quantitative research approach. The primary data used for the analysis were obtained through questionnaires, interviews and field observations. The unit of analysis for the questionnaires was developers/residential property owners and heads of institutions were also selected for interviews. Observation was also used to establish how physical development conforms to specifications. The results suggest that developers were mostly frustrated with the different stages involved in obtaining legal land documentations for acquiring building permit in the physical development process. The study revealed that, 87% of the 45 respondents in the study area were aware of satisfying regulations and the acquisition of permit before they develop. Furthermore, the results show that 66.7% of respondents acquired development/building permits before the development of physical structures. The collaboration among the various institutions involved in the process was found to be upsetting. Furthermore, the results revealed that the mainstream development control institutions (the Physical Planning Department and the Building Inspectorate Unit) were constrained in terms of staff and logistics. It is therefore recommended that frequent education should be organized on the various radio stations to intensify public sensitization on the measures already adopted to reduce the lengthy and cumbersome process in permit applications. It is hoped that effective implementation of the recommendations will adequately help improve the level of developer’s adherence to building regulations within the Masooli Village