Local Councils Research Articles

Conflicts and synergies between customary land use management and urban planning in informal settlements

The ethnographical interpretivist study analyses how informal development is planned and regulated by customary land management systems (CLMS) and the collaboration between the customary regulation of informal development and urban planning of informal settlements in Cape Town. The combination of zoning bylaws and CLMS creates a legal grey zone in the townships. The CLMS has polycentric authority structures and a hybridity of regulatory practices. It delegitimises zoning bylaws, but it also creates a new role for urban planning away from traditional technical management by specialists to a more pragmatic and selective enforcement of zoning by lower-level municipal officials based on common law and substantial relations tests, in close collaboration with local councillors, the police and public representatives linked to CLMS. Although this is by no means without its challenges, such as the disregard of building lines, waste removal challenges and illegal electricity connections, it does, however, strengthen the role of the state as a final and objective authority and benevolent provider of services. Informal settlements, thus have the best of both worlds: a formally planned substructure and an informalised top-structure that provides citizenship and agency to the subaltern.

Analysis of the quality of local council elections in Hoima city, mid-western Uganda

Purpose: The aim of this study was to discuss the quality of local council elections by exploring factors that influence vote buying and vote selling during electoral seasons in Uganda.
 Methodology: A cross-sectional study aimed at promoting free, fair and credible local council elections in Hoima city. The study was conducted in one city ward that is part of Hoima City Cohort Study (HCCS). The HCCS is a population-based cohort that was identified for purposes of this study. A total of 28 registered voters, resident in four study areas were enrolled into the study. Data were collected on socio-econ-political related characteristics. A regression model was used to generate voting frequency as a measure of association for factors that were associated with voter bribery.
 Findings: Results suggest that voter bribery was high; higher in men than in women. Less than half had participated in more than two previous local council elections while slightly more than half were taking part in the second election. After adjusting for potential and suspected confounder, the factors that were negatively associated with voter bribery were: greed, poverty, and expectations; political party/candidate influence and lack of self-control were positively associated with voter bribery. Since political party/candidate influence and lack of self-control were positively associated with voter bribery in the area of study, targeting those having exorbitant resources to tempt voters may help reduce voter bribery in this area.
 Unique Contribution to Policy and Practice: The results of this study may be useful to policy and practice since they can facilitate managers of electoral management bodies as well as political parties to evolve frameworks that can facilitate credible electoral processes.

Residents’ trust in local government councils in an emerging nation: effect of political efficacy, good governance and performance

PurposeThis study aims to explore residents’ trust in local government councils and to examine the effect of political efficacy and good governance on that trust and on the performance of local government councils in an emerging nation.Design/methodology/approachData were analysed using qualitative and quantitative research designs. Firstly, a thematic analysis was performed to explore residents’ trust in local government councils and compare it with the data gathered in the literature review. Thereafter, a partial least squares-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) approach was used to investigate the hypothesised linkages.FindingsThe thematic analysis of the face-to-face semi-structured interviews discovered four themes (trust, performance, political efficacy and good governance). Additional analysis of these themes via the PLS-SEM approach revealed good governance to be the most influential factor in promoting residents’ trust in local government councils. Political efficacy was the second most influential factor. Residents expect local government councils’ officers to demonstrate a strong commitment to the rule of law and comply with all relevant laws and regulations.Practical implicationsLocal government councils should openly accept residents’ requests and suggestions, be more flexible in policy delivery and be responsive to policy demands given the relatively small constituencies and greater policy latitudes. Multiple avenues should be available for interaction between residents and local government councils in the mission to achieve sustainable urban growth.Originality/valueThis study is unique in that it advances existing research that is lacking in the context of the Malaysian local government council. The result alerts are crucial in that they alert local government councils to the need for high levels of governance and accountability in terms of resident support to gain more trust and confidence.

Abstract 10094: Perception of Cardiovascular Disease in Female Health Care Workers and Urgent Opportunity Gaps for Health Promotion

Introduction: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the largest killer in women worldwide, yet minority of GPs and less than 50% of Cardiologists feel well prepared for risk assessment in women. Women have historically been under-represented in many major CV clinical trials. The percentage of women identifying CVD as leading cause of death (LCOD) has declined from 64% in 2009 to 43% in 2019, according to surveys in the United States. In 2020, we conducted the largest single-centre survey in the United Kingdom to explore the perceptions of CVD in female healthcare workforce in North-West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust. Methods: In September 2020, a total of 620 female healthcare workers in our institute completed an online questionnaire on health concerns, LCOD in women, screening/risk factors for CVD, and perceived personal risk status. There were 21 questions containing binary, ranked and best single choice answers which took approximately 15-minutes to complete. Results: Only 51% respondents were aware of CVD as the LCOD in women and 37% correctly identified lifetime incidence of CVD as one-in-three. Sixty-five percent believed to be at risk of CVD but only 18% had CVD as their biggest health concern. Three-quarters correctly identified CVD risk factors, but 74%, 59% and 40% were not aware of their cholesterol, diabetic status and BP, respectively. CVD screening was deemed necessary aged more than 40 by 31%, and aged more than 50 by 40%. Ninety-percent had never been screened for CVD. One-in-two believed a woman was more likely to survive a heart attack at the age of 60 compared to a man of similar age. Only 12% correctly indicated that BP below 120/80mmHg was normal and 57% were not aware of effects of HRT on CVD. Lastly, 82% did not feel well informed about their CV health. Conclusions: The survey did not include baseline demographics to associate age and social/ethnical background with the responses, nevertheless, there are significant gaps in knowledge and misconception about CVD in women among female healthcare workers. This study highlights opportunities for urgent education to bring more screening programmes into practice through major stakeholders i.e. local councils, GPs and Cardiologists.

The experiences of school counsellors in Hong Kong: implications for policy innovation

ABSTRACT School counsellors in Hong Kong constitute an underutilised resource in supporting the wellbeing of young people. We investigated how counsellors working in local and international schools perceived their roles and professional status. Counsellors were both surveyed and interviewed. Findings indicate that local school counsellors have a low professional status and an unclear identity compared to their international counterparts. As a group, they are marginalised and disempowered within their own school settings, reducing their effectiveness, and limiting the benefits they can provide to students. Policy innovation at school level is needed to better utilise school counsellors. Professional organisations have an important role to play in educating the community about school counselling and advocating for policy change at school and government levels.

Local Government Caretaker Committees in Nigeria and their Effects on Socio-Economic Development

The state governors in Nigeria have manipulated the local government councils in Nigeria to the extent that they appoint their cronies and loyalists as caretaker committee chairmen without regard to the constitutional provisions for democratically elected council chairmen. In all cases, the choice of their appointees is not always the choice and wishes of the local people and the masses at the grassroot always rejected them. The most fundamental problem inherent in caretaker committees of local government council is that caretaker committees are conduit pipes for corruption by the state governors to siphon off local government councils’ finances. The state governors solely or in tandem with their party leaders handpick few individuals viewed as core loyalists to the governors. Local government councils ought to be managed by democratically elected individuals and not the state governors appointing their cronies and loyalists as caretaker committees’ chairmen without regard to the constitutional provisions for democratically elected local government council’s chairmen. Presently in Nigeria, the state governors are truncating the tenure of the democratically elected council officials and replacing them with members of the ruling political party in the state as caretaker committee. We perused at the constitutional provisions for local government councils through the Democratic Participatory Theory. This paper studied carefully the reasons for state governors in Nigeria setting up caretaker committees and the impact of these committees on local government councils in the country. Based on the conducts of the state governors, it was recommended that state governors who fail, neglect and refuse to conduct free and fair elections for local government councils in a state should be prosecuted after their tenures and if found guilty be given maximum capital punishment. This would serve as a deterrent to others in the future, among others.

Assessing Emergency Animal Safe Sites for Evacuation

Providing shelters for animals during disasters such as floods, bushfires and storms requires adequate planning and preparedness. Planning for animals during the disaster response and recovery phases is critical to mitigating the negative effects that animal loss or separation can have. The human-animal bond has the potential to influence people’s decisions during emergencies, such as how they will respond and when or if they will evacuate. Evacuation with animals during a disaster event can be difficult and complicated. It is critical, however, that animals are rescued and kept safe during and after disasters. Any compromise can result in the death of such animals. Similarly, even in disaster-related situations, animal handling should be consistent with the Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines. This project aims to better understand disaster preparedness and resilience, as well as the recovery of animals during a disaster event. Twenty-five potential animal evacuation sites, including saleyards, showgrounds, animal shelters, and racecourses, were identified and accessed in nine local government areas (LGAs) across the Hunter region of New South Wales, Australia. On-site survey using a 5-point Likert scale questionnaire was used to collect data. While none of the facilities are of high standard, 16% would require cosmetic work, 76% would require minor work, and the remaining facilities would require significant work. The project’s implication is that the assessment guideline can be included in the local council’s emergency management plan to improve adequate planning for safe animal evacuation.

Gestão participativa na Atenção Primária à Saúde: ensaio sobre experiência em território urbano vulnerável

ABSTRACT Participatory management, although instituted in the norms of the constitution of the Brazilian Universal Health System (SUS), still faces challenges to be effective in practice at a local level, especially in complex urban territories, aiming at community strengthening and social participation. This essay aims to present and discuss aspects of a participatory management experience in a vulnerable territory, mediated by Primary Health Care. This experience of health co-management was developed between 2009 and 2013 in Manguinhos, a municipality of Rio de Janeiro. From the managers’ reports and the technical materials produced, the implementation of strategies analyzed were the mobilization to create a local intersectoral management council and those of information, education, and communication in health supported by institutional supporters and by the family health teams. We concluded that democratic managerial and sanitary practices can be developed through social technologies, which value participative and shared management among workers-users-management.

RESOURCE ALLOCATION FOR TRANSPORTATION PHYSICAL WORKS CONTRACTS

The value of infrastructure activity in New Zealand is expected to increase to $11.2 billion per year by 2026. However, there is a question concerning the capability and capacity of the construction sector to deliver this quantity of work. This study provides an analysis of award notice data, specifically for transportation physical works contracts published on the Government Electronic Tender Service. Data was reviewed from 1197 transportation projects awarded by Waka Kotahi, the New Zealand Transport Agency, and by 37 local councils across New Zealand. Estimations were then used to assess project resource requirements and later verified by industry professionals. Findings suggest an average of approximately $218 million New Zealand dollars per year was awarded to contractors for transportation physical works contracts from July 2015 to June 2021. However, analysis of contract award dates and award amounts shows the level of resources required to deliver transportation contracts is not consistent throughout the years. Inconsistent workloads may cause contracting companies to experience gaps in resource allocation. Conversely, government agencies may be unnecessarily competing for construction resources due to the timing of project award dates. A strategic, coordinated release of transportation projects could level out demand for construction resources across each financial year. This approach would level out resource requirements, create continuity, and minimize uncertainty for contracting companies, which may allow more effective use of available resources and hence more work to be delivered.

67 TECHNOLOGY TO SUPPORT INDEPENDENT LIVING AT HOME: ONLINE SURVEY OF USER NEEDS AND REQUIREMENTS

Abstract Background Technology can play a key role in supporting older adults to live independently at home. A User Needs and Requirements study including co-design workshops and an online survey was conducted to inform the development of a technological solution aimed at supporting older adults to remain living independently at home. The online survey component is reported here. Methods Eligibility criteria included that respondents were older adults living at home or caregiving stakeholders providing care to older adults at home e.g. family caregivers or health/social care professionals. Recruitment took place throughout Ireland through civil society organisations and age friendly networks in local councils. Quantitative and qualitative data were gathered from June to July 2020. Descriptive statistics were applied to quantitative data and inductive thematic analysis was performed on free text responses. Results In total, 380 respondents completed the survey (n= 235 older adults, n=77 family caregivers, n=47 healthcare professionals and n=21 home support workers). Older adults identified key issues where technology might support them to live independently, these included, home security (33% n=77), falls (30% n=69), reduced mobility (23% n=55) and loneliness (23% n=54). Thematic analysis highlighted key areas where technology could assist stakeholders in providing care for older adults living independently, these included, remote monitoring of family members (family caregivers), communication with clients (healthcare professionals) and falls (home support workers). Older adults reported that data privacy and the cost of technology were key concerns. All groups reported a high level of willingness to use technology such as ambient sensors, wearable devices and voice activated assistants to support independent living. Conclusion Results of this survey provide insights into user needs and requirements in combination with results from co-design workshops to inform the design, development and trial of a technology system to support independent living at home.

Property valuation using machine learning algorithms on statistical areas in Greater Sydney, Australia

Property valuation plays a significant role in urban economics and is of great importance to various stakeholders who interact and shape the city, including property owners, buyers, banks, land developers, real estate agents, local councils and government planning authorities. In the literature, various predictive models have been proposed to automate the calculation of property value, most of which endeavour to factor in the combination of property characteristics, market factors and location-based attributes associated with individual properties use large citywide databases. At the same time, it has been widely acknowledged that regional sub-areas have impacts on property price prediction. Therefore, this paper aims to investigate the performance of various techniques on sub-areas using the Greater Sydney Region as the study area. The sub-area in this paper is defined as the statistical areas (SAs) as defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. In particular, two different SA geographies (SA4, SA3) along with the City Level are adopted to understand the spatial dependence which occurs at different levels. With real-world transaction records and data collected from a diverse range of sources, various methods including the traditional hedonic price model (HPM) and popular machine learning (ML) approaches are implemented and evaluated for property price prediction. Two different property markets for residential property are modelled, being for housing stock and apartment (unit) stock. Experimental results show that Random Forest and Gradient Boosting-based methods outperform other approaches in most scenarios and that the high spatial resolution property sub-area (SA3) improved the performance in terms of overall model accuracy. This research provides insights into how sub-area machine learning models can be employed in real estate to characterize property price, and helps understand the influential factors in different local geographical areas for policy-making.

Bilingualism: A Catalyst for Social Cohesion in the Context of Decentralization: Stakes and Challenges

Bilingualism represents one of the assets of the Republic of Cameroon as enshrined on the preamble of the constitution. Article 1(2) of the Cameroon constitution affirms that the Republic of Cameroon shall be a decentralized unitary state, one and indivisible, secular, democratic and dedicated to social service [1]. The people have been empowered through Local and Regional councils to take part in their development with competencies being transferred to local entities. Cameroonians therefore will be able to work, teach, study, live or do business in any region of the country as long as they can express themselves or understand the second official language. With over 250 indigenous languages and ethnic groups in Cameroon [2], knowledge of French and English, a colonial heritage, serve as a social cement to bring citizens together. With the current advancement in technology and globalization, global education as well as job opportunities require the possession of transversal skills among which is communication skill. With the creation of the National Commission on Bilingualism and Multiculturalism aimed at fostering peace, justice and social cohesion, it is clear that the Government understands the role of bilingualism in the strife for a peaceful and harmonious nation. The Circular letter no. 23/22/MINESEC/IGP/IP-BIL of 28th January 2022 by the Minister of Secondary Education on instructions for preparation of National Week of Bilingualism presented the theme of 2022 bilingualism week as “Bilingualism: A Catalyst for Social Cohesion in the Context of Decentralization.” This paper therefore drawing inspiration from this theme, examines the role of bilingualism in promoting social cohesion in the context of decentralization. It also presents some challenges plaguing the promotion of bilingualism in Cameroon and ends by proposing a way forward.

INVESTIGATION OF URBAN GREEN SPACE (UGS) ACCESSIBILITY IN ADELAIDE METROPOLITAN AREA USING NETWORK ANALYST

Abstract. Urban Green Space (UGS) is one of the essential components of the urban systems for promoting quality of life in urban areas and sustainability. Planning and designing accessible public green spaces are critical for urban life as cities' most available natural environment. Walkable accessibility of UGS is one of the essential indicators of people's health and wellbeing. This paper aims to evaluate the walking accessibility of UGS through Adelaide Metropolitan Area at the local councils level using Network Analyst in GIS. The results show that the councils of Norwood Payneham and St Peters, Charles Sturt and the City of Adelaide have the most walking accessibility to UGS for the residents in their area. In contrast, Mount Barker, Playford and Adelaide Hills councils have the least walking accessibility. Therefore, UGS distribution is unequal throughout the study area, and local councils close to or around the inner part of the metropolitan area have more accessible green spaces.

PENGUATAN FUNGSI PENGAWASAN OLEH DEWAN PERWAKILAN RAKYAT DAERAH (DPRD) TERHADAP EFEKTIFITAS PERATURAN DAERAH

Local People's Representative Council (DPRD) In Local Government Legislation and Regional Legislative Institutions. One of the most esential issues of democracy’s results in Indonesian constitutional platform is the local legislature, so popularly known as the LocalPeople's Representative Council (DPRD). The key of the success in organizing local government is the capability of the Local People's Representative Council (DPRD) in conducting the three basic functions and plus, namely legislating, budgeting, supervising, and plus representing, simultaneously, proportionally and continously. In the future times, it is urgent to strengthen the structure and institutional capacity of the Local People's Representative Council (DPRD) by means of three agenda, that is (i) to redefine and toconsolidate the position of the Local People's Representative Council (DPRD) as a legislature; (ii) to reinforce the authority of the Local People's Representative Council (DPRD); and (iii) to maximize the capacity of the Local People's Representative Council (DPRD) in performing its all functions. To that end, it is urgent to take an effort in revising Law of 32/2004 and Law of 27/2009. "

Understanding Trust and Changes in Use After a Year With the NHS COVID-19 Contact Tracing App in the United Kingdom: Longitudinal Mixed Methods Study.

BackgroundDigital contact tracing (DCT) apps have been implemented as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Research has focused on understanding acceptance and adoption of these apps, but more work is needed to understand the factors that may contribute to their sustained use. This is key to public health because DCT apps require a high uptake rate to decrease the transmission of the virus within the general population.ObjectiveThis study aimed to understand changes in the use of the National Health Service Test & Trace (T&T) COVID-19 DCT app and explore how public trust in the app evolved over a 1-year period.MethodsWe conducted a longitudinal mixed methods study consisting of a digital survey in December 2020 followed by another digital survey and interview in November 2021, in which responses from 9 participants were explored in detail. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the interview transcripts. This paper focuses on the thematic analysis to unpack the reasoning behind participants’ answers.ResultsIn this paper, 5 themes generated through thematic analysis are discussed: flaws in the T&T app, usefulness and functionality affecting trust in the app, low trust in the UK government, varying degrees of trust in other stakeholders, and public consciousness and compliance dropping over time. Mistrust evolved from participants experiencing sociotechnical flaws in the app and led to concerns about the app’s usefulness. Similarly, mistrust in the government was linked to perceived poor pandemic handling and the creation and procurement of the app. However, more variability in trust in other stakeholders was highlighted depending on perceived competence and intentions. For example, Big Tech companies (ie, Apple and Google), large hospitality venues, and private contractors were seen as more capable, but participants mistrust their intentions, and small hospitality venues, local councils, and the National Health Service (ie, public health system) were seen as well-intentioned but there is mistrust in their ability to handle pandemic matters. Participants reported complying, or not, with T&T and pandemic guidance to different degrees but, overall, observed a drop in compliance over time.ConclusionsThese findings contribute to the wider implications of changes in DCT app use over time for public health. Findings suggest that trust in the wider T&T app ecosystem could be linked to changes in the use of the app; however, further empirical and theoretical work needs to be done to generalize the results because of the small, homogeneous sample. Initial novelty effects occurred with the app, which lessened over time as public concern and media representation of the pandemic decreased and normalization occurred. Trust in the sociotechnical capabilities of the app, stakeholders involved, and salience maintenance of the T&T app in conjunction with other measures are needed for sustained use.

Scrutiny and policymaking in local councils: how parties use council tools

ABSTRACT In recent years, political scientists have gained greater understanding of how national parliamentary parties use their parliamentary tools: that is under what conditions they submit parliamentary questions or amendments to legislation. We know surprisingly little about how local councillors use the tools at their disposal: under what conditions do these local councillors submit questions to the local executive? When do they submit amendments to local ordinances? We examine to what extent the use of amendments and questions reflects differences between local party groups’ ideologies in terms of anti-elitism and the left-right dimension, and differences between coalition and opposition parties. On the basis of an analysis 454 local council groups in 53 Dutch municipalities we find considerable evidence for differences in the use of council tools between coalition and opposition parties.

Digging deep – An opportunity to do something different (with our thanks to Dr Jo Billings & Dr Polly Kaiser)

The Care Home Wellbeing Service was commissioned in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. It works collaboratively with health and social care staff, local councils, and governing bodies in order to support carers, residents and care homes. The Covid-19 pandemic highlighted vulnerabilities, inequalities and challenges experienced by social care staff. The lens of intersectionality challenges and enables us to be able to provide person centred interventions to support recovery, to engage with the articulated disconnect between health and social care and, in so doing, to navigate the next phase of the service’s work.

Using Snapshot Data of Deficiency and Generic Deterioration to Predict the Degradation of Building Elements

The typical approach to modeling building degradation is based on consecutive visual inspections using generic deterioration ratings to characterize the conditions of elements. Our research used snapshot data to capture a range of ages efficiently, and very clearly defined element-specific deficiency-based conditions to reduce subjectivity. Snapshot data were obtained of 12 distinct building elements, from buildings owned by 7 local councils in Sri Lanka (with ages up to 60 years), using both generic deterioration– and deficiency-based condition ratings. The deficiency-based ratings were found to be lower than the generic deterioration–based ratings at early ages but higher at later ages. Two data-driven indicators were used to estimate the relatively maintenance-free life of each element. Markov degradation models were developed for both types of ratings. The deficiency-based predictions were found to be more accurate than generic deterioration–based ones. Slabs, beams, and columns had the lowest rate of degradation; timber doors, timber windows, ceilings, wall plaster and floor tiles had higher rates; and ceiling fans, fan regulators, wall paint, and rendered cement floors had the highest rates.

Voluntary blood donations in Navi Mumbai, India

Introduction: In India, voluntary blood donation camps (VBDCs) are a key supply of blood and its products. Conducting blood donation drives was challenging in Navi Mumbai due to the widespread lockdown during the coronavirus disease (COVID) outbreak. Study Type: This was a retrospective study. Materials and Methods: To relieve the anxieties and apprehensions of the blood donor population, extensive confidence-building efforts were required. Various safety measures and standard operating procedures were also included, as well as training for VBDC organizers and medical personnel. We studied the blood donations done at our institute on a retrospective basis from blood bank records. Results: Our study showed a 7% increase in outdoor VBDC donations in 2021 over the previous year 2020. However, according to the advice of the local transfusion council, promoting in-house donations raised their number by a stunning 33% in 2021. Conclusion: Even during the COVID pandemic, confidence-building methods and precautions helped restore VBDC’s legitimacy and increase donation numbers by a marginal extent.

Knowledge of obstetric danger signs and its determinants among household heads of a rural community in North-Western Nigeria

Background: Birth preparedness and complication readiness remains one of the important strategies for reducing maternal mortality. One of its important components is knowledge of obstetric danger signs (KODS). The KODS is as important to men as it is to women, especially in African countries where majority of the household heads are men and are the major decision makers. Objective: The objective of the study was to determine the KODS among the household heads of Nasarawan Buhari, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional community-based descriptive study was conducted among 104 household heads (or their representatives) of Nasarawan Buhari, Giwa Local Government Area Kaduna State, Nigeria, from April 15 to May 10, 2019. Data were collected using pretested semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaires. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 25 (2017). Results: Majority of the respondents were aged between 40 and 49 years, with a mean age of 40 ± 12.6 years. The overall KODS was poor (70.2%). After controlling for confounders, the only determinant of good KODS was the age of respondents. Household heads older than 30 years were more likely to have good KODS than those younger than 30 years (odds ratio 1.04, 1.001–1.07). Conclusion: The overall KODS among the respondents was poor, while the age of respondents was a determinant of having good KODS. The Authority of Giwa Local Government Area Council (LGC) of Kaduna State should design and implement a program aimed at educating the household heads in the LGC.