A need analysis for the provision of sport and recreational infrastructure to promote sustainable human settlements : a case study of extension 7, Kokstad.
Loading...
Date
2015
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
This research study looking at the need for the provision of sport and recreational infrastructure was conducted based on the notion that there was no land reserved for adequate sport and recreational facilities in Extension 7 Kokstad. The lack of sport and recreational facilities can be linked to the exclusionary nature during the apartheid period. After 1994 South Africa became a democratic country where everyone is seen as having equal access to participate in sport and recreation. Sport and recreational infrastructure is vital and forms part of the basic needs of any community in order to promote sustainable development.
The main aim of this research study was to emphasis the importance of the inclusion of sport and recreational facilities in layouts for new settlements and to find the respondents’ understanding of the importance of sport and recreational activities. Furthermore, the study sought the challenges faced by the community and the Greater Kokstad Municipality, because of the lack of sport and recreational facilities, as no change is realised by the community. The study also made reference to international literature (i.e. precedents studies) on the best practices and benefits of sport and recreational facilities. This was to support the importance of sport and recreational facilities in any community. In addition, it sought to ascertain what families do for fun in the community and what type of sport and recreational activities they like to engage in and would prefer for the study area. The study also unpacked the contributions that sport and recreational facilities have towards social sustainability as it enhances the image, quality and desirability of any community and will in turn make the community more attractive.
Data was collected through the use of open ended survey questionnaire, structured but open ended interviews and a focus group discussion. These methods of data collection were used to get a holistic response from different people to avoid one sided data collected from the residents. There were various findings; however the most crucial finding was whether the community was satisfied with the level of sport and recreational facilities; and the challenges of crime, alcohol and drug abuse that the community is facing, because of the lack of sport and recreational facilities in the community. The study revealed that the Greater Kokstad Municipality had done nothing to inform the developer about the provision of sport and recreational facilities.
The study formulated recommendations in order to improve the sport and recreation situation in the Extension 7 community. The Greater Kokstad Municipality can work with the people to find a way forward for example: to develop sport and recreational facilities (e.g. include the community and external agencies); to establish a sport development programme, from a national and provincial perspective that no layout should be approved is no allocation of land for sport and recreational facilities are not reserved and then lastly the municipality can to upgrade the existing community hall and soccer pitch.
Description
Master of Housing. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 2015.