Abstract:
Abstract
The urban planning system in Zimbabwe, long modelled along
the British system and its spatial planning concepts, principles,
processes and legislation, influences in shaping the spatial
mapping of towns and cities and the overall built-in environment
in the country. The study focuses on critically assessing the
feasibility of utilising e-development control processes in tracking
urban plans with a view to developing an e- development control
model. The study assumes the following objectives: identifying
underlying frameworks for development plans in Mvurwi;
evaluating current development control practices in Mvurwi;
assessing current methodologies used for development control
processes in Mvurwi; and developing an e-development control
model for Mvurwi. This study uses a transformative research
paradigm and mixed methodological approach, with a sample
size of 302 respondents from five classes of Mvurwi property
owners. An inductive approach to research is employed using
documentary analysis, questionnaire administration and key
informant interviews as the research techniques. The research
established that the Constitution of Zimbabwe 2013 Amendment
(No 20) (Constitution) recognises devolution and decentralisation
of state power and provides Mvurwi Town Council (MTC)
constitutional protection. The Urban Councils Act regulates local authorities and urban settlements, and it addresses concerns
relating to estate development and housing provision and
construction. The study also found out that the current
development control frameworks and planning services delivery
positively correlate with each other (r =0.541, p of 0.000
significant at the 0.05 level). The research concludes on
development of an e-development model which discovered the
relationship between geoinformatics in e-planning and
enhancement of the accurate information essential to
development planning, monitoring and execution are part of the
development control methods in Mvurwi. The study recommends
that Zimbabwe local authorities should embrace the application
of technology in all planning service for them to achieve efficiency
and effectiveness in development control.
