Perceptions of Urban Renewal Activities in Enugu City Nigeria

Abstract

Urban renewal projects are community developments that involve essential guidelines for identifying community problems, measuring development indicators understanding and facilitating effective community engagement, empowerment, and sustainable developments. This community development theory advocates for the elimination of inequalities and the promotion of human rights. The implementation of urban renewal projects (URP) in Enugu City, Nigeria, faces multi-faceted challenges in balancing sustainable development and social equity. This study aims to assess community perceptions of urban renewal projects by investigating residents’ concerns and needs in Enugu City, Nigeria. Employing a quantitative research approach, a structured questionnaire survey was administered to a sample of 605 respondents. The findings reveal mixed perceptions among community members, with residents associating urban renewal projects with improved infrastructure, but also fearing displacement and increased costs. However, a notable consensus emerged regarding the need for inclusive planning, community engagement, and consideration of social impacts in urban renewal projects. The results indicate that residents' concerns comprise: displacement (71%), gentrification (64%), and social injustices (58%), indicating the importance of community-centered approaches. The study recommends the need for policymakers to engage community members in decision-making processes to ensure equitable development and effective stakeholder engagements. This study also contributes to existing knowledge on sustainable urban development, as well as informing policy decisions, and promoting community-centered urban renewal projects.