Exploring The Potential Use Of Open Spaces(POS)in GHANZI Township-a Comparative Analysis

Public open space refers to publicly or privately owned land that can be used by the public and is designated as a space for leisure,entertainment,sports,and cultural exchanges.These spaces are essential in improving the quality of life of residents,including Ghanzi Township,increasing social interaction and promoting the development of a healthy urban environment.However,the public open spaces in Ghanzi town are currently facing significant development and utilization problems.Research has shown that the use of these spaces is influenced by a lot of factors such as culture,location,age,and funding for these spaces.Open Spaces in Ghanzi Township have been provided for but the major problem is that they are not developed and even those which are developed are hardly maintained therefore hardly utilized.Consequently,a lot of illegal land uses have intruded into these open spaces depriving the residents from enjoying their use.Apart from the question raised on the inadequacy of use of public open spaces,the focus on Botswana open spaces is also infrequent,hence the practical implications of this study are very important.As the main purpose of my research is to analyze the use of open spaces in Ghanzi Township and come up with interventions that can work for the town,its recommendations can be used elsewhere in the world which will help even the entire scholastic world by acting as a tool to develop or enhance Public Open Space Use knowledge.It will also aid in facilitate learning about the public open space systems and elements that affect its use especially in Botswana.The research will also allow for the understanding of specific issues that affect one of the most important part of the urban form;recreation.Methods: The qualitative research methodology was used for this study as it allowed the researcher to examine the present situation of open spaces in the township,including organizational processes and coming up with relevant interventions to the system in Ghanzi Township.A comparative analysis of an open space which is developed(Open Space 1389)and the most favorite open spaces to the people of Ghanzi was done for considerations to be made on their perceptions when suggesting a system that can work for Ghanzi Township.Three sets of questionnaires were designed and data collected physically with residents and online with planners and architects in the country.However,in assessing potential,there was need to first assess the natural resources and social-cultural features of the Township.Because of the methodology used,data was compared and analyzed using the SPSS model and results presented in tables,graphs and charts to interpret the findings.A SWOT analysis of the open spaces in Ghanzi was made.Spatial analysis using GIS was also imperative.Most literature argues that there is need for area specific assessment of public open spaces prior to development.Assessing potential use of a land use system calls for a scan of land characteristics and qualities,population perceptions on the space as these factors affect potential for land use.These therefore calls for the use of trusted models that have been developed by different researchers.The literature review has identified these models which were discussed with the different elements they focus on.When assessing potential use,a comprehensive evaluation of the use of public open spaces demands a holistic approach of all factors involved like perceptions and spatial aspects.The model however cannot be used alone as some and needs to be used with others for it to be more effective.Conclusions: As from the collected data,it was discovered that some users were not satisfied with the status quo of the open spaces because of numerous weaknesses like their indecent condition,less variety in uses and location factors.Despite the numerous weaknesses of the open space provision in the Ghanzi Township,the study confirms the potential to create of strong social relations between the residents of Ghanzi once they are provided with public spaces that attract them and meet their needs and expectations.Recommendations: In order to restore the use of public open spaces in the study area,this study provides relevant suggestions for the government to improve its planning,management and development.The Ghanzi Town Council should have an annual budget for the development of open spaces.It is further recommended that the open space system be used to connect Ghanzi to nearby towns.The trail system of public open space in the town is recommended and needs to consider related issues such as perception,location and culture.At the same time,a steering committee needs to be selected to ensure the smooth implementation of the project.It is anticipated that this will promote the completion and improvement of the public open space system in Ghanzi Town.