Urban Regeneration Through Collaborative Approaches in Local Government: Case of the City of Harare

Abstract

African cities, due to substantive urban growth, have faced the challenge of urban deterioration which has contributed to city unattractiveness and low business opportunities over the years. Previous studies have indicated that urban decay is a process against a willful act which cannot be corrected by command, however through collaborative efforts by several stakeholders from diverse fronts. This study examined the adoption of collaborative approaches towards urban regeneration using the City of Harare as a case study, firstly by exploring challenges contributing to the deteriorating nurture of the city as well as identifying different roles which stakeholders can play to restore the city. This was achieved through a qualitative research methodology which encompasses a document search complimented by key informant interviews. The City of Harare, the capital city of Zimbabwe has suffered the same challenge of urban decline associated with poor waste removal, proliferation of informal business 
markets, poor enforcement of by-laws, disinvestment among others. The study identified several actors which included resident associations, private sector entities (private property developers, consultants, private businesses), Ministry of Local Government, and the Harare City Council. It was established that efforts by several stakeholders can drive urban 
regeneration through the creation of synergies, among the same actors.