An Assessment of Urban Decay in Rural Towns: a Case of Building Dilapidation in Thohoyandou Town, South Africa

Ndou, Comfort and Nyamwanza, Shylet (2023) An Assessment of Urban Decay in Rural Towns: a Case of Building Dilapidation in Thohoyandou Town, 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. 37-48. ISSN 2521-3938

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Abstract

Urban decay is a global dilemma that can severely weaken the image, livability, and productivity of most cities due to its negative impacts on the built environment. Building dilapidation is one form of urban decay which can pose a risk to public health, safety or well-being . The impact of urban decay cannot be overemphasized particularly in South Africa’s historically disadvantaged rural towns such as Thohoyandou. The aim of this study was to assess the status of building dilapidation in Thohoyandou Central Business District (CBD) in Limpopo province of South Africa. The objectives of the study were to map building dilapidation in Thohoyandou CBD; to investigate the causes of building dilapidation in Thohoyandou CBD and to suggest recommendations towards addressing persisting building dilapidation. This study adopted a qualitative research approach through conducting 20 key informant interviews and field observations. The study revealed that building dilapidation in Thohoyandou CBD is caused by factors such as lack of municipal by-laws to deal with derelict buildings, irregular planning procedures in the construction of buildings; lack of building maintenance, illegal occupation of buildings; negligence of buildings by property owners, incapacity of the municipality to render services to overpopulated buildings as well as lack of enforcing building occupant capacity by-laws. These findings highlight the complexity of the issue and the need for a holistic approach to address urban decay. Based on the research findings, the study puts forth several recommendations to mitigate building dilapidation in rural towns like Thohoyandou. The study suggested recommendations which include formulating municipal by-laws to deal with derelict buildings, stricter enforcement of regular planning procedures in construction projects; establishing a dedicated CBD building maintenance plan, conducting Thohoyandou CBD building audits, and regulation of building occupants’ capacities. Collaboration among stakeholders, including the municipality, property owners, and the community, is essential for the successful implementation of these strategies. The study contributes to the existing knowledge on urban decay and revitalization. The research findings have significant implications for policy and decision-making in Thohoyandou CBD and other similar contexts, aiming to promote sustainable urban development and improve the overall quality of life.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	central business district, building dilapidation, urban decay, rural towns, spatial planning
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor H Social Sciences > HN Social history and conditions. Social problems. Social reform T Technology > TH Building construction
Depositing User:	REAL CORP Administrator
Date Deposited:	02 Oct 2023 20:24
Last Modified:	04 Oct 2023 17:44
URI:	http://repository.corp.at/id/eprint/991

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