A platform for research: civil engineering, architecture and urbanism
A platform for research: civil engineering, architecture and urbanism
The role of caretakers in improving housing conditions in peri-urban areas
Abstract In many African countries, peri-urbanisation occurs mostly in an unguided and unplanned manner. However, there is little known about the role that local actors play in housing improvement in peri-urban areas. Using the peri-urban landscape of Kumasi as a case study, this paper explores the activities of caretakers residing in uncompleted houses in peri-urban areas as providing ways by which organically developed peri-urban areas can be improved for people's stay. This is done through in-depth interviews that capture the narratives of caretakers and homeowners who utilise the services of caretakers. The findings of the study suggest that it is a common practice for private developers of housing in peri-urban areas to engage caretakers for their uncompleted houses. These caretakers become agents of transformation of peri-urban areas by ‘opening up’ vicinities to make them inhabitable and thereby contributing to the improvement of the peri-urban landscape. The various ways by which caretakers contribute to the improvement of peri-urban areas include the bringing of human presence to areas that are still developing to attract more residents, creating a sense of security in developing peri-urban areas to make them liveable thereby attracting other residents, and easing the development process by providing security for land and building materials owned by developers. These findings have implications for urban planning studies about housing supply, peri-urbanisation processes and emerging tenure types.
Highlights This paper explores the activities of caretakers of uncompleted houses in housing improvement in peri-urban areas. Findings suggest that it is a common practice for developers of houses to engage caretakers. These caretakers become agents of transformation of peri-urban areas. Caretakers bring human presence to peri-urban areas that are still developing. Caretakers also create a sense of security in peri-urban areas.
The role of caretakers in improving housing conditions in peri-urban areas
Abstract In many African countries, peri-urbanisation occurs mostly in an unguided and unplanned manner. However, there is little known about the role that local actors play in housing improvement in peri-urban areas. Using the peri-urban landscape of Kumasi as a case study, this paper explores the activities of caretakers residing in uncompleted houses in peri-urban areas as providing ways by which organically developed peri-urban areas can be improved for people's stay. This is done through in-depth interviews that capture the narratives of caretakers and homeowners who utilise the services of caretakers. The findings of the study suggest that it is a common practice for private developers of housing in peri-urban areas to engage caretakers for their uncompleted houses. These caretakers become agents of transformation of peri-urban areas by ‘opening up’ vicinities to make them inhabitable and thereby contributing to the improvement of the peri-urban landscape. The various ways by which caretakers contribute to the improvement of peri-urban areas include the bringing of human presence to areas that are still developing to attract more residents, creating a sense of security in developing peri-urban areas to make them liveable thereby attracting other residents, and easing the development process by providing security for land and building materials owned by developers. These findings have implications for urban planning studies about housing supply, peri-urbanisation processes and emerging tenure types.
Highlights This paper explores the activities of caretakers of uncompleted houses in housing improvement in peri-urban areas. Findings suggest that it is a common practice for developers of houses to engage caretakers. These caretakers become agents of transformation of peri-urban areas. Caretakers bring human presence to peri-urban areas that are still developing. Caretakers also create a sense of security in peri-urban areas.
The role of caretakers in improving housing conditions in peri-urban areas
Adu-Gyamfi, Albert (author)
Cities ; 110
2020-11-26
Article (Journal)
Electronic Resource
English
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