Khumalo, Kwethemba and Gumbo, Trynos and Sebola-Samanyanga, Kgomotso Jackson Phillip (2023) Urban Regeneration: Identifying Causes and Impacts of Urban Decay within the Pietermaritzburg Central Business District: South Africa. LET IT GROW, LET US PLAN, LET IT GROW. Nature-based Solutions for Sustainable Resilient Smart Green and Blue Cities. Proceedings of REAL CORP 2023, 28th International Conference on Urban Development, Regional Planning and Information Society. pp. 931-939. ISSN 2521-3938
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Text (Urban Regeneration: Identifying Causes and Impacts of Urban Decay within the Pietermaritzburg Central Business District: South Africa)
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Abstract
Urban decay affects cities worldwide, and South African cities have not been immune to this quagmire. It is regarded as a development that negatively contributes to physical degeneration and high spatial inequality. Most integrated development plans highlight the challenges of South African cities facing environmental decay and inadequate infrastructure maintenance. Consequently, greater regeneration plans for inner cities have been the strategic focus of urban planning. The study aims to investigate the main factors influencing urban decay within the Pietermaritzburg Central Business District (CBD). It is known that urban decay in Pietermaritzburg CBD is associated with economic decline and negatively impacts the city. However, it is unknown what specific strategies or plans the Municipality of Msunduzi is pursuing to combat urban decay, the level of funding available for urban regeneration initiatives, and the role of the private sector in urban regeneration efforts. The work adopted a case study research design and applied a qualitative approach to understanding factors contributing to urban decay in the Pietermaritzburg CBD. An in-depth examination and comparison of the causes and effects of urban decay using interviews with residents and relevant stakeholders, as well as observations of buildings conducted between 1 October 2022 and 30 October 2022, mention that the causes of urban decay in Msunduzi include Urban Planning and Governance: lack of measures to encourage city growth and inconsistent service delivery. The closure of public facilities, inadequate services, and the neglect of properties by absentee landlords worsen urban decay. The research findings emphasise the significance of private investments and changing residents' negative perceptions in achieving successful urban regeneration. A comprehensive approach to urban regeneration should encompass psychological, economic, social, physical, and civic aspects, thereby fostering economic development through collaboration between the public and private sectors. Most Pietermaritzburg participants attribute urban decay to socioeconomic shifts, such as the departure of middle-class residents, the presence of absentee landlords, and the absence of necessary amenities. Proposed solutions to combat urban decay involve implementing a regeneration programs program that prioritises city cleanliness, holds landlords accountable, enforces eviction measures, and offers incentives for businesses to relocate. Effectively implementing these measures necessitates collaboration among the municipality, private sector, community, organisations, and residents to stimulate economic growth, enhance infrastructure, and promote urban regeneration. The paper's overall contribution lies in developing an urban renewal strategy that addresses the factors leading to urban decay and supports efforts toward urban regeneration.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | Urban Planning, Spatial Inequality, Urban Regeneration, Urban Decay, Governance |
| Subjects: | H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor H Social Sciences > HM Sociology H Social Sciences > HN Social history and conditions. Social problems. Social reform |
| Depositing User: | REAL CORP Administrator |
| Date Deposited: | 02 Oct 2023 21:18 |
| Last Modified: | 04 Oct 2023 17:42 |
| URI: | http://repository.corp.at/id/eprint/1001 |
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