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Research Article
The ability of public participation in the reconstruction of informal
settlements in Razavieh City
Simin Armaghan*1and Masumeh Mohseni2
1 Department of Geography, Collrge of Faculty of Science
Yadegar -e- Imam Khomeini (RAH) Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
2
M. A., Department of rural geography and planning,
Islamic Azad University, Yadegar-e-Imam Khomeini branch, Tehran, Iran *E-mail: s.armaqan@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
One of the most important issues at the current citys is issue of informal settlement. The phenomenon has been formed as a result of unequal political-economic relations in global level; weakness of national plans in mid-level and urban plans in micro level. Informal constructions have been a part of unsustainable urban history over the history of urbanization. The districts are created to meet demand of settlement by low-income people and have become a cosmopol is for centralization of different races of people and different social classes. In fact, this is the demand and centralization, which can create the districts by unsustainability of urban life. Applied method in this study is survey method; although it has applied library method as the same time. In terms of purpose, the study is an applied research and in terms of nature, it is a descriptive-analytical study. Sampling method has been simple random sampling method and to select sample individuals, systematic method has been applied. Number of questionnaires is equal to 200, which have been validated using SWOT model. Obtained results from the study indicate that there is a significant correlation between ability of public participation of desired societies and organization of informal fabrics.
Key words: informal settlement, Razavieh (Karavan)City, fabric organization, SWOT
INTRODUCTION
In early 21th century, out of more world population more than 6billion people, more than 50% were living in urban area. On the other hand, statistics indicate worsening of poverty situation across the world. Under such conditions, cities and specially cities of the Third World have become place for centralization of poverty dramatically and large number of poor people are moving to margins of city gradually and face many other problems resulted from local conditions there (Javaheripoor, 2008: 1).
cities and go to metropolises and citys to improve their life conditions and settle mostly in margins of cities and counties and display their income poverty in physical appearance of poverty.
The main purpose of this study is to analyze economic-physical structures of informal settlement in Razavieh City, so that through the analysis and investigation of the economic-physical conditions, adequate solutions and applicable suggestions can be provided in field of organizing the city. Using such strategy, one can identify and solve different physical, socioeconomic and spatial problems of these districts.
Choosing Razavieh City as a marginal and immigration receptive city in margin of Tehran Metropolis, which has caused air pollution as a result of adjacency to Rey Power Station (because of gas smell), Shahr Sang (because of cutting stones), industrial complex of Tajrish (because of production of nylon) and Cement Factory, has been considered as topic area of the study.
Problem statement
Informal settlement is the phenomenon of inequality and economic poverty on one hand and ignorance of low-income classes in planning processes, especially physical plans and urban settlement, on the other hand, which can be appeared mostly in areas of centralization of wealth. Informal settlement is specific type and space of urban life, which is significantly different from adjacent spaces in all dimensions or some aspects including physical, economic, social, cultural, political, legal aspects and historical evolutions. Effect of ordinary people on urban affairs has been constantly indirect and insignificant to an extent. However, in the new theories of urban planning, role of people in urban affairs and also necessity of participation of people in urban affairs is emphasized. Empowerment is a kind of attitude to informal settlement, in which governments try to find
some solutions to solve settlement and accommodation problem of people using their own resources and productions instead of having fighting attitude and destroying powerful environment under conditions that people settled in districts. According to the attitude, settlement of low-income people constructed by their own capital is considered as a part of economic capital of whole society, which should be organized based on cooperative plans and through emphasizing attraction of their participation in field of recognizing priorities and solutions (Jonoski, 1998, p. 102). Participatory approach as a basis for decision making in field of planning and management is one of the tools for sustainable development, civil society and democracy (Husseini, 2001: 82).
Razavieh City as a far point in southeast of Tehran with mountain as sources of cement plays key role in attracting overflown population of Tehran. The city has various and different functions and has had always brilliant occasion in regional level of Tehran. The city acts in the region as a dominant city and has faced centralization of population and activity.
Obtained results from residents at the informal settlement of Razaveih indicate that the treason for formation of the phenomenon in this area is irregular migration on one hand and economic problems and lack of unit management in field of economic problems on immigration issues and their initial settlement on the other hand. In continue, after analyses in this field, analysis instrument is applied to recognize Razaveih City in different dimensions and proposed project for organization of the informal settlements in frame of empowerment and with emphasis on participatory role of people would be presented. The project is based on codification of empowerment document and codification of executive solutions.
Research question
- Can promotion of public consciousness affect participation and empowerment plans?
Informal settlement
Different definitions have been presented for informal settlement and in most cases, the aim has been using the word "Slum"; meaninga densely populated usually urban area marked by crowding, dirty run-down housing, poverty, and social disorganization (Husseinzadeh Dalir, 1982: 5).
In terms of physical concept, informal settlement is the only unplanned settlements and areas where housing is not in compliance with current planning and building regulations (unauthorized housing). Some terms like unauthorized housing, settlements established in one night and unplanned settlements have been used as synonyms (Hataminejad, 2004: 13). According to Marshal Clinard, informal settlement is a n urban problem and issue and is the origin and source for crime and has different forms (Abdollahi, 2009: 10). In other words, groups and classes, which are dominated on rare urban resources, achieve situation of "living in context" and play role in marginal living. This needs marginalization of groups and classes in situation of living in margins and play semi-active and inactive role in range of urban activities (Gharavi, 2010: 126).
General specifications of areas of informal settlement
1- Undesirable landscape: the main global symbol of informal settlement is its undesirable landscape, which suffers feelings, conscience and eyes of people and buildings have been destroyed and worn out. Crossing and passages are narrow and winding and usually the way of access toRescue vehicles, including firefighting, ambulance and police in emergencies is not provided (Masudifar, 2006: 3).
2- Low level of healthcare, welfare, service and educational facilities: in these regions, usually number of schools and academies is less than standard level and welfare-service centers like parks, green spaces, cinema, firefighting and culture centers are not available.
3- Expansion of dimensions of family and low income: marginal regions have usually more population rate compared to other urban areas and this is resulted from young structure of population of the areas and can cause decline of per capita income and as a result, poverty and malnutrition among them.
4- Young population structure and high unemployment rate: majority of residents of the areas of informal settlements are youths with insufficient academic and technical professions and come to cities with hope to have more income; although they settle in these areas because of low income level (Sheidayi, 2009: 10).
5- Existence of specific subcultures of small areas (Masudifar, 2006: 3).
Participation
The word "participation" lexically means involvement and centralization for specific purpose. In regard with its technical meaning, abundant discussions have been taken; although generally its main origin can be considered involvement, activity and impression (Naghdi, 2006: 87). Participation includes transparency, openness of social space and polyphony of public sphere and needs a space, at which people can affect decision making processes that can affect their destiny (Lupton, 1999: 132).
Geographical structure of Razavieh City
edge of city and margin of BibiShahrbanoo Mountain. Moshirieh City and Razaveih City are located in this zone. Area of the region is equal
to 765.3ha and its population is equal to 83155 people. Table 1 has presented specifications of zone 4 and its districts.
Table 1: structure of divisions and specifications of zone 4
divisions population area (ha) gross population density
zone 4 83155 765.3 109
district 19 13533 178.4 76
district 20 37120 180.0 206
district 21 32502 406.9 80
Source: design and planning Consulting Engineers
Figure 1: map of limit and area of Razaveih City (source: National Mapping Agency)
Figure 2: map of old fabrics inRazaveih City
Identification of types of informal fabrics in the region
Figure 3: old fabrics of zone 4
Quality of buildings
Assessment of quality of buildings in limit of the project indicates that 3914 sections of total 4607 sections with area of 23ha have destructive quality. Hence, about 85% of existing pieces in limit of the project are now undesirable. Number of renewal pieces is equal to 112 pieces and equivalent to 2.4%. Further information in this field is presented in table 1.
Table 1: quality of pieces in limit of studied area
quality of pieces number area (m2) percent (number)
under construction 24 185507 0.52
new build 112 12226.68 2.43
acceptable 550 51145.43 11.94
destructive 3914 230331.81 84.96
no building 7 1215.79 0.15
total 4607 480427.22 100.00
Figure 4: quality pieces in limit of the project
Tables of strengths and weaknesses of renewal of informal fabrics of Razaveih City (SWOT model)
Table 2: matrix of evaluation of internal factors (strengths)
st
re
n
g
th
s row strengths coefficient score final score 1 participation of people of Karevan City 0.04 4 0.12 2 relative cooperation in field of allocating
personal building for some public purposes like religious and health purposes
0.03 3 0.12
Guide
District zone
هدﻮﺳﺮﻓ ﺖﻓﺎﺑ
ﺮﺑﺎﻌﻣ
0 .5 2 2 .4 3
1 1 .9 4
84 .9 6
0 .15 0 .00
10 .0 0 20 .0 0 30 .0 0 40 .0 0 50 .0 0 60 .0 0 70 .0 0 80 .0 0 90 .0 0 1 0 0.0 0
Çów• ‘ wì ùô üw• · ‘ · {… ’ zw… È{ÍûòÉ wz ö…w≈
Åwæ∂… Ëwz Ç Î∆ÎŒ
ö≠ùô
3 relative participation in field of Disposal of domestic wastewater and surface water and public health
0.04 4 0.16
4 tendency to continue living in this area 0.03 3 0.06 5 relative participation to allocate personal
building to build passage
0.02 2 0.12
6 participation in gifting lands to RM and other public welfare affairs
0.04 4 0.16
7 cooperation with Housing Foundation, municipalities and other executive agencies
0.02 2 0.06
8 relative participation in field of allocating property for Integration plan
0.02 2 0.06
9 relative participation in field of settlement in apartment
0.03 3 0.12
10 existence of fields to create and develop industries and construction workshops
0.02 2 0.06
11 existence of approved project development units in suburb
0.04 4 0.16
12 tendency of residents for participation in running the city
0.04 4 0.16
Table 3: matrix of evaluation of internal factors (weaknesses)
w
e
ak
n
ess
e
s
row weaknesses coefficient score final score 1 lack of participation of villagers and distrust in laws 0.03 4 0.05
2 lack of participation in allocating lands for
centralization of uses 0.02 3 0.2 3 unfamiliarity and improper interpretation of law 0.04 2 0.03
4 weakness of participation in field of public health 0.03 2 0.06
5 low income and economy of rural people for
participation in affairs 0.02 1 0.04 6 lack of support and dynamicity of laws 0.03 4 0.16
7 lack of participation in allocating land for
centralization of uses 0.04 3 0.06
8 lack of local services 0.02 4 0.2
9 lack of existence of suitable construction 0.04 2 0.06 10 lack of indicator entries 0.02 3 0.09 11 gaining income from false jobs 0.02 2 0.06 12 low width of alleys and roads 0.03 2 0.09
13 lack of constructive measures of municipality 0.04 4 0.04
14 lack of strength of buildings against natural disasters 0.02 1 0.04
15 long life of buildings and depreciation of marginal
houses 0.02 1 0.03
16 old physical fabrics of the zone 0.03 2 0.06 17 existence of inadaptable uses 0.02 1 0.07 18 lack of urban facilities and equipment 1.1 47 2.1
Table 4: matrix of evaluation of external factors (opportunities)
o
p
p
o
rt
u
n
it
ie
s
row opportunities coefficient score final score 1 access to service centers 0.03 3 0.09 2 Health centers in adjacent areas 0.04 3 0.12 3 existence of access points around the zone 0.03 3 0.09 4 ability to use destructive spaces to build parking lot 0.04 4 0.16 5 presence of old residents interested in zone 0.02 3 0.06 6 access to employment facilities in Tehran 0.03 4 0.12 7 potential of value added of land and properties 0.04 3 0.12 8 Tehran market as shopping center 0.03 3 0.09 9 economic facilities of owners 0.02 3 0.06 10 common cultural issues among residents 0.01 3 0.08 11 intention of officials to interfere in renewal 0.02 4 0.06 12 existence of relevant rules of widening roads 0.04 3 0.16 13 existence of relevant laws of repairing buildings 0.04 4 0.16 14 participation of people in renewal of the district 0.03 4 0.12 15 providing suitable contexts for establishment of public
institutes
0.04 4 0.16
16 attention of urban management to public participation 0.03 3 0.09 17 The overwhelming encounter with drug addicts in the
region
0.02 3 0.06
Table 5: matrix of evaluation of external factors (threats)
th
re
at
s
row threats coefficient score final score 1 lack of resistant buildings and old marginal regions of some
of them
0.03 1 0.09
2 weak relationship between people and municipality and distrust
0.02 1 0.12
3 inadequate environmental situation 0.02 2 0.09 4 lack of existence of green space and playground for children 0.03 2 0.16 5 unfamiliarity of citizens with social issues 0.03 2 0.06 6 unfamiliarity of citizens with constructions issues 0.02 2 0.12 7 lack of hierarchical servicing system 0.02 2 0.12 8 lack of sport, cultural and health spaces 0.02 1 0.09 9 lack of financial ability of people 0.02 1 0.06 10 lack of public planning for creating culture of participation 0.02 1 0.08 11 low quality of healthcare and sport services at the village 0.02 1 0.06 12 inadequate public transportation service 0.01 2 0.16 13 lack of system for pricing and high rent and land purchase
cost
0.02 2 0.16
14 lack of financial ability to create different uses of properties 0.02 2 0.12 15 lack of suitable financial and supportive systems 0.03 1 0.16 16 lack of required information and training in field of
outcomes of marginal fabrics
0.02 1 0.09
17 lack of resistant foundations and erosion of some of them 0.04 2 0.06 18 lack of tendency for investment in informal fabrics 0.03 2 0.03 19 lack of rewarding solutions 0.03 1 0.06 20 weakness of authorities of local managers 0.03 0.03
Research question
Table 6: frequency distribution of increased public awareness
increased awareness frequency percent
yes 66 0.66
no 34 0.34
According to data of table 6, 66% of people have tendency to continue living in the region. Here, shi square (X2) test has been applied and has obtained to 11.15 and also observed significance level has been also obtained below 0.05 for the test. Hence, in opinion of people, increased awareness level can enhance participation and ability of participation of people of Karevan City in public affairs.
CONCLUSION
According to estimations of The United Nations Human Settlements Programme, more than 50% of residents of cities in low-income countries and 20% of average-income level live in informal settlements. Indices such as literacy, health, income and social advancement are lower than urban average in these countries and this is not competent to human dignity. Iran is also one of the countries facing this issue. According to existing provisions in Constitution of Islamic Republic of Iran, providing good housing and adjusted with human dignity is one of the most important duties of the government against Iranian citizens. Government in Iran, whether before or after Islamic Revolution, has had the control of land and urban settlement policies in its hands.
The present study has applied descriptive-analytical method with qualitative-quantitative approach and documentary and exploratory collection of data to display damages of applied policies by the government and the reasons for dissatisfactory nature of the policies in regard with organizing informal settlements. Hence, this study has used questionnaire and factor analysis to evaluate indices. Obtained results indicate that public policies in different ages have not resulted in social stability and physical resistance of informal settlements, but also it has caused deprivation of wide range of low income classes from land and urban settlement facilities in plans of the government.
Suggestions
Informal settlement is one of the problems with urbanization, which is created because of fast growth
of urbanization and lack of ability to meet needs of population. Hence, to decline undesirable effects of informal settlement, some actions should be taken as follows:
-Through taking suitable actions, negative social, mental and economic effects of marginal regions should be decreased.
-Because of increasing migration, Razavieh City has many informal settlements. Hence, the regions should be considered more than before by urban managers and they should implement control and assistance at the same time on the regions. -Renewal and improvement of old fabrics and
organization of informal settlement using social capital in fabric to prevent migration of local people, which can be potential possibility to increase social capital of the region.
-Allocating bank scores, tax exemptions and loans to support private sector participation in process of renewal and reconstruction.
-Making trust as main precondition of attracting public participations in process of organizing informal settlements through canals like Councils, local councils, people trusted and influential by the region
-Applying rewarding policies to improve public participation in limits needing resistance by supporting, protecting, maintaining and repairing -Contextualization to attract participation of big
domestic and foreign capitals and using modern technologies in field of renewal.
participation of residents in novel and organized manner.
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