The Role of Private Planning Firms in Provision of Public Spaces in Planned Residential Neighbourhoods: The Case of Dar es Salaam City and Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania

Abstract

This paper aimed at examining the spatial allocation of public spaces and their standards in newly planned neighbourhoods as implemented by the private planning firms, and their effect to local communities or users. The paper specifically examines and analyses the spatial distribution of public and open spaces and explores the planning standards used by private planning firms in implementing the various planning schemes in Dar es Salaam City and Morogoro municipality. Methodologically, a systematic account was made of the research process, methods and data collection tools linked and detailed studies were made in the selected cases. Comparisons were made with the National space standards provided in the Urban Planning Act; and the level of adherence to planning standards in provision of public spaces was analysed. It was found that public spaces were provided and majority of the firms have adhered to planning standards. Serious omissions were observed; however, with regard to the provision for play fields which were provided in primary and secondary schools, no provision for free public play fields and sport grounds was made in the cases investigated. The paper concludes that despite the involvement of the private planning firms by the government in providing serviced land to the people, there is still a challenge of observing requirements for public spaces, albeit in varying categories and sizes according to the indicative planning standards. Thus, provision of public spaces as public or social goods is generally compromised. The paper recommends that more open spaces, parks and play fields should be provided in the detailed planning schemes, using participatory approaches among Councils, communities, institutions and individuals who shall be given mandates to manage them. Enforcement of the planning standards during approval and implementation of the newly planned residential neighbourhoods by the organs such as Municipalities, City and Urban planning authorities is necessary to ensure success. Private planning firms should be given mechanisms to adhere to the provision of public spaces and the required standards to enable the public at large to utilize these spaces as public goods for the betterment of communities.