Densification of residential areas in Lusaka: the case of Chilenje.
Date
2023
Authors
Mulundano, Mubiana
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
The University of Zambia
Abstract
Urbanisation in Zambia has continued at a rapid pace since independence. Lusaka
continues to attract new dwellers who need to be accommodated though it has grown
and development sprawled beyond its boundary limits. The study on densification of
residential areas in Lusaka with a focus on Chilenje, a former public housing area,
sought to determine the nature of densification taking place in Chilenje. Establishing the
forms of densification taking place, residents’ perception of the densification on the
neighbourhood and the impact of densification on basic services provided in Chilenje
were key to this study. Designed as a descriptive case study, purposive sampling was
used to select the respondents and houses for the interview and observation,
respectively. A total of 45 questionnaires were administered. Aerial satellite imagery of
a part of the study area from 2004, 2010 and 2016 was also analysed to depict new
development in each period. It was revealed from the field visits and aerial imagery that
many houses have gradually been transformed mainly by constructing extensions or
rooms for rental income or to accommodate the growing family. Though over half of the
respondents had lived in Chilenje for more than 30 years, most of them perceived their
area as the same with a few who mentioned an increase in population, improved services
and development of new structures in their neighbourhood. Payments for services such
as water, electricity and refuse collection by the households living on a given plot is
pooled each month. It can be concluded that transformation of the housing area has
taken place mainly through additional development of rooms for rent or to house family
members. Increased number of residents entails that when planned well and guided, the
established prospect for affordable rentals in a low-cost residential area could cultivate
aesthetically pleasing and sustainable residential areas which are well serviced. To this
effect, the study recommends that policies and strategies formulated for the area should
be cognizant of planning needs that are appealing to residents such as the type of
housing units and estimated costs.
Description
Degree of Master of Spatial Planning
Keywords
Urbanization in Zambia. , Population density---Lusaka, Zambia.