CHAPTER ONE

GENERAL INTRODUCTION

1.0 Introduction

This chapter presents the research context or background to the study, proceeds with the research problem, research questions, objectives and hypothesis, and the justification and significance of the study, the scope and delimitation of the study and conclude with the organization of the dissertation.

1.1 Research context

Urban planning began with towns and cities thousands of years ago in ancient civilization. Over time, urban planners have created new strategies as they have adopted spaces to meet the shifting needs and desires of communities. The world is becoming increasingly urbanized and half of humanity now lives in urban areas more than 70 percent in Latin America, North America, and Europe (UN-Habitat, 2008). Between 2000 and 2030 the world’s population is expected to be 72 percent while built-up areas of cities could increase by 175 percent. Very few environments exist on earth today which has not witness significant alterations or transformation by humanity for one reason or the other (Balgah, 2007). Urban policies are a broad category of policies tackling public problems in urban areas. Urban policy refers to the cluster of policies that are aimed at influencing the development of urban areas and urban lives (Jing Wang, 2018). It could be fragmented and diverse in practice due to the fragility of social needs and practical institution. Urban planning policies influence lifestyles, health, and sustainability. Over the past 40 years, policies pertaining to cities of particular population size changed constantly. The aim of most urban planning policy is to control the size of large cities.

At least two third of the world’s population is expected to be living in the urban areas by 2050 and countries such as China and India would be the major contributors of this boom (Wulfhorst, 2018). China has become the world’s largest urban nation with over 600 million citizens today. It is very common to see different countries with various urban planning policy laws ranging from the Master Plan, Land occupation policies and environmental laws. All these planning policies aim to regulate development in urban spaces. In one sense urban planning policy is more than the cluster of public policy initiatives intended to have some sort of impact on the lives of urban residents. It is distinctive because it is targeted on territories or geographical areas.

In China, urban planning policies have been evolving over the past years. The country’s explosive urban surge in the last 30years is linked to its dramatic economic transition from an agrarian to an industrial society (OECD, 2013a; World Bank, 2014). This has been due to an increase in her population. Urban growth has been supported by fast-track regulatory procedure. The urban planning policies and rural planning law (URPL), which was enacted in 2008 formulated for the purpose of strengthening urban and rural planning administration, harmonizing urban and rural spatial layout, improving people’s living environment and promoting the integrated harmonious sustainable development of urban and rural society and economic (AT Widodo et al.;2023). China’s planning policies involves the master plans, land use planning, environmental considerations, public participation and development control. All these laws were put in place to regulate and control urbanization in the country. Chinese cities have experienced rapid urbanization and economic development as a result, China’s planning policy has boomed (Lingquain Hu, 2020). Chinese cities tend to be reasonably compact in terms of many of their residential neighborhoods, but vast industrial parks are an inefficient use of land, reflecting the frantic industrial development efforts of municipalities.

Over the past decades, the national government have integrated policy towards cities in Australia. Some of these policies include; urban planning and development policy, sustainable development policy, affordable housing policy, transport and infrastructure policy, and urban renewal policy. Her first broad-based urban planning policy was approved in 2011 which responded to a series of looming challenges in the major cities including the escalating cost of housing, urban sprawl and its impact on infrastructure networks, transport systems, road congestion, and the natural environment (Australian Government, 2011). However, these policies can have a wide-ranging effects on various aspects of urban life and the overall development. These policies could have implications on the environment which can be positive such as; promoting energy efficiency, reducing carbon emissions, and encouraging sustainable transportation options. However, it is worth noting that the effectiveness of urban policies and their implications can vary depending on the specific context and implementation. Also, there may be trade-offs and challenges associated with certain policies, such as balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability. Overall, the planning policy in Australia had the biggest effect on transport infrastructure projects such as the Goal Coast Rapid transit light rail (C. Langston 2021). In addition, a change in national government in 2012 resulted in a loss of momentum and impetus to press forward with the institutional arrangements. As a result, citizens fear that a regional development agenda will begin to replace urban policy objective (Borton and Dosson, 2014).

India has a history of slums in its major cities that date back to colonial times (Kundu, 2014) urban population has been growing strongly mainly through natural change with a vast majority of India’s population living in improvised rural areas. The continues growth of low-income population live at high densities without basic infrastructure and adequate housing remains an enduring problem in India (Nandi and Gamkhar, 2013). The urban population expanded around 90million between 2001 and 2011 and is expected to grow by another 250million by 2030. An important study done by the World Bank (2013) urges that India’s metropolitan areas have experienced stagnation because of inadequate investment in infrastructure and poor land management policies have pushed business out of urban cores. Some cities have grown more strongly than others in recent years particularly Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata (Chaplin, 2011; Nandi and Gamkhar, 2013; Kundu, 2014). These cities have had aspiration of a global city status which has influenced their planning policies (Dupont, 2011). India’s first major program was launched in 2005 called the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM). It was intended to boost investment in infrastructure. One of the objectives was to increase the capacity of the local government to engage in integrated urban planning, to improve project management and delivery of municipal services, and to increase accountability ( NF Da Cruz et al.,2019)

It is clear to see that most African cities have doubled or tripled in their population due to the speed of urbanization. Mega cities are emerging such as Cairo, Lagos, and Kinshasa. The global south particularly Africa is experiencing urban challenges that are threatening the future of cities. This unsustainable urban growth is disturbing, considering that cities are becoming dominant form of settlement globally. Some regions in the global south have achieved better urban development through the application of proper urban policy and planning (Willoughby Zimunya and Innocent Charisa 2021). Over 50 percent of Ghana’s population live in urban areas. The first urban planning in Ghana was launched in March 2013 after a four years period of technical analysis, policy reviews and extensive domestic and international consultation. The aim of the urban planning policy is to promote sustainable, spatially integrated and orderly development of urban settlements, with adequate housing and services and efficient institutions. Extensive investment in urban infrastructure funded by national government and managed by municipalities is intended to alleviate severe congestion in the big cities and create a sound living and working environment to accelerate the country’s all-around development (OO. Makinde 2012).

In Nigeria policies have been developed that provide strategic directions for more sustainable urban development and planning. A few of these policies such as the National Urban Development Policy (2012), National Social Protection Policy (2016), and the recent economic sustainability plan (2020) additionally seek to achieve social inclusion and equitable access to resources. The National Urban Development Policy was developed in 2012, with the goal to improve standard of healthy living and well-being for all Nigerians by promoting a system of well managed urban settlements. The effectiveness of urban development policies and strategies can be measured through the lens of social inclusions, which refers to the extent to which poor and vulnerable groups can equally access and benefit from urban resources (O. Onwujekwe et al., 2021)

In Cameroon, more efforts have been put in place within the last two decades, to make sure urban towns are safe places to live. It is no secret that towns in Cameroon suffer from socio-economic and environmental problems and need the putting in place of adequate measures to avoid disorder that results from inadequate enforcement of its plan, non-respect to building codes, poverty and limited houses with potable water, business conflicts, inadequate health facilities and increasing crime wave (C.F. Tamasang et al., 2021). In the case of Cameroon, there are varying actors involved in the process of urban planning. The Ministry of State Property and Land Tenure (MINCAF) has authority ever all land but many of its objectives are largely focused on state land (Wily, L. A. 2011). The Ministry of Economic Planning and Regional Development (MINEPAT) is responsible for the development and implementation of the country’s economic policy (AFANGAH, A. J. 2021) and the ministry of Energy and Water Resources (MINEE) primary responsibility is to develop, implement and evaluate policies concerning water resources and its exploitation. Most of the challenges lies in the inadequate implementation of these town planning laws. The document that lays down basic guidelines in town development is the Master Plan even though it is less effective in most town planning in the country.

Urban planning in Douala is practiced under the Town Planning law No 2004/003 of April 2004. This law stipulate that the main document guiding development is the Master Plan and the Land Use Plan. There has been the inability of the urban policies to manage land use, anticipate risk and meet the demand of basic services (Pierre Jacquemot, Jean Yango, 2020).

There is no doubt that Urban planning policies plays a crucial role in shaping the physical and social fabric of cities, influencing their spatial organization, land use distribution, infrastucture provision, and overall quality of life of their residents. In the case of Bamenda city in Cameroon, the implementation of urban planning policies has significant implications for the sustainable development and growth of the city. This research seeks to explore the current urban planning policies in Bamenda city and analyze their implications on various aspects of urban life.

In Bamenda where this work is being conducted, urbanization, population growth, and informal settlements have increased in recent years. The city has experienced significant challenges in terms of infrastructure provision, land use planning, and environmental management. In response to these challenges, the government has developed a series of urban planning policies aimed at guiding the growth and development of the city.

One of the key urban planning policy in Bamenda city is the Bamenda city Master Plan, which was developed in the early 2000s (Wanie, C. M. 2019). The Master Plan provides a comprehensive framework for the physical development of the city including land use zoning, transportation networks, infrastructure provision, and environmental management. The Master Plan aims to guide the growth of the city in a sustainable and coordinated manner, ensuring that new developments are in line with the overall vision of the city (Bibri, S. E. et al., 2020).

Another important planning policy in Bamenda city is the Bamenda City Land Use Ordinance, which regulates land use and development within the city (Nguh, B. S. et al., 2016). The ordinance specifies the types of land uses allowed in different zones, sets standards for building heights and densities, and establishes procedures for obtaining building permits. By regulating land use in this way, the ordinance aims to prevent haphazard development, protect green spaces, and ensure that the new development are compatible with the surrounding land uses (Talen, E. et al., 2003).

The implementation of urban planning policies in Bamenda city has several implications for the physical, social, and economic aspects of urban life (Kimengsi, J. N. et al., 2017). One of the key implications is the promotion of sustainable development. By guiding the growth of the city in a coordinated and planned manner, urban planning policies help to prevent sprawl, reduce environmental degradation, and promote efficient land use. This in turn contributes to the overall sustainability of the city and it ability to meet the needs of its residents both now and in the future (Sodiq, A., Baloch, A. A. et. al 2019). The Improvement of infrastructure provision is an implication of urban planning policy in Bamenda city (Kimengsi, J. N. et al., 2017). The identification of areas in need of new infrastructure such as roads, water supply, and sanitation facilities, has been facilitated by the Master Plan and Land use ordinance which guides their development in a systematic way. This ensures that the infrastructure is provided where it is most needed and that it is integrated with the surrounding land uses, improving access to services for residents and supporting economic growth (Ness, D. 2008). By regulating land use and development, urban planning policies can help to ensure that all residents have access to essential services and amenities, regardless of their socio-economic status. For example, the Master Plan may specify areas for affordable housing or social services, while the land use ordinance may require developers to include public spaces or amenities in their projects. This can help create more inclusive and livable neighborhoods, where all residents can benefit from the opportunities offered by the city, as such, urban planning policies in Bamenda city have implications for social equity and inclusion (Kimengsi, J. N., & Fogwe, Z. N. 2017).

1.2 Statement of the research problem

Towns in Cameroon were not planned before construction. As population continues to increase in cities, it became difficult planning the cities infrastructure. A lot of destruction is witnessed. In Bamenda, population growth has warrant the development of most pressing infrastructures such as transport roads, affordable housing, water and electricity. These infrastructures available to meet the demands of the city’s population. Urban planning policies are key factors so far as development is concern in Bamenda city. The increasing population of Bamenda city due to rural urban migration and natural growth rate has resulted to higher demands in housing infrastructures. The Bamenda city master plan shows how the city of Bamenda is supposed to look like and how the city should be but that is not the case of the present city. Looking at our infrastructure, it is clearly seen that the planning rules and regulations do not align with what in on the field in the transport sector, road infrastructure, housing, waste management, and water supply. It is very difficult to differentiate between the land use and zoning in Bamenda city. Looking are what is on the field, it is difficult to see a proper implementation of these policies in various sectors in the city. The ineffectiveness can been seen in the road networks, housing infrastructure, market structures and on the environment. However, it is also challenging to see a proper implementation of urban planning policies in the transport sector due to inadequate investment in transport infrastructure which can be seen in poorly maintained or insufficient road networks leading to congestion, traffic, accidents, and delays in commuting. The lack of comprehensive urban planning policies addressing traffic flow and congestion can result in inefficient traffic management systems. The absence of properly designed road signage, traffic lights, and pedestrian crossing can lead to chaotic traffic conditions, safety concerns and increased travel times. Planning policies is suppose to reduce uncertainty and indicates what everyone is expected to accomplish and people should be able to work towards a goal they can set and understand but it is difficult to understand these policies without proper sensitization from the authorities in place. Implications of planning policies on the physical infrastructure can been seen on most of the city’s infrastructure as most of the buildings are warn out, roads in deplorable states and poor bridges due to the use of low quality building materials. A lack of sufficient funding for infrastructure projects severely impedes progress in development. The ineffective urban planning policies in Bamenda face several challenges arising from inadequate financial resources, lack of stakeholder engagement, informal settlements, and governance. Also, there are some obstacle related to planning and regulation, such as keeping urban infrastructure updated, acknowledging unintended consequences of planning actions. These challenges might result in increase population density, strain on resources, disparate inhabitants, and a changing climate. These challenges need to be looked into or mitigated in order for us to have a sustainable city. In order to address the challenges and improve the effectiveness of urban planning policies in Bamenda, the way forward can be through strengthening of institutional capacity, enhance financial resources, foster stakeholder engagement, address informal settlements and land tenure issues, and enhance governance and transparency. Considering the problem statement, the following research questions, objectives and hypothesis were formulated to guide the study.

1.3 Research questions

1.3.1 Main research question

To examine the implications of urban planning on infrastructures development in Bamenda city.

1.3.2 Specific research questions

• What are the most prioritize infrastructure for the development of Bamenda city?
• What are the impacts of urban planning for effective development of the infrastructure of Bamenda city?
• What are the challenges and mitigation measures for effective implementation of prioritized urban planning policies in Bamenda city?

1.4 Research objectives

1.4.1 Main research objective

To examine the implications of urban planning on infrastructural development in Bamenda city

1.4.2 Specific research objective

• To identify the most prioritized infrastructures for development of Bamenda city
• To assess the impact of urban planning on the priorities infrastructure of Bamenda city?
• Identify the challenges and mitigation measured for effective implementation of urban planning policies in Bamenda.