Collaborative Management of Social Infrastructure Towards Creating a Sense of Place in Zengeza, Chitungwiza, Zimbabwe

Abstract

The functionality of social infrastructure in the global South is hampered by incapacitated governments, which affect people’s sense of place. This study explored co-management of social infrastructure towards creating a sense of place. This qualitative study collected data from purposively selected households and key informants using semi-structured interviews. Findings show that the co-management of social infrastructure by the Chitungwiza Municipality is top-down and crowds out residents’ participation. Most social infrastructure is none functional and unattractive to communities. Residents lacked user groups to demand improved social infrastructure. The study recommends role clarity and community empowerment to promote improved co-management of social infrastructure.