Assessment of settlement planning projects on sustainable urban development: the case of Gezaulole, Temeke municipality, Dar es Salaam city

This study aimed at assessing the effectiveness of settlement planning projects on urban development and infrastructure servicing in Dar es Salaam city. Specifically, the study was guided by three objectives namely; to examine settlement planning projects process and procedures using the Gezaulole settlements as a case; to identify the strengths and weaknesses of Gezaulole settlement planning project in improving land delivery, development and infrastructure servicing; and to uncover factors that influence the success or failure of settlement planning projects. The study employed a mixed methods research approach (i.e., the integration of both qualitative and quantitative methods) and a case study design. The study was carried-out in Dar es Salaam city in Temeke municipality in villages that were affected by Gezaulole settlement planning project. Purposive and simple random sampling were used to get the sample and the sample size for the study was eighty-two (82) respondents. Data for the study were gathered from interviews, documents, and questionnaires. Findings reveal that there are considerable achievements in promoting sustainable urban development through settlement projects. Out of 5000 plots that were planned to be surveyed, 4390 (87%) plots were surveyed, which implies a reduction of informal settlements; development of basic infrastructure and reduction of poverty through the use of certificate of title as collateral. The findings further indicate compliance to regulatory frameworks on land acquisition by the responsible authority, however, weaknesses were also observed. Such weaknesses include partial participation of key actors especially the residents; unfair and delayed compensation, defining the rights and obligation of residents; inadequate resettlement programme; and poor recognition of peoples’ livelihoods. This study recommends that planning, valuation, compensation, and taking possession of land by the responsible agency/authority has to be done systematically and efficiently so as to avoid snags that might jeopardise the project. More specifically, impact assessment should be a compulsory exercise in the planning phase as it would help in determining compensation. The government should also provide plots as a means of compensation rather than relying on money as the only means of compensation.