Geospatial Technology and Building permits Issuance and Management of Informal Settlements: Kigamboni, Tanzania

Abstract

This research investigates the application of Geo-spatial technology in enhancing the management of building permit allocation and addressing the proliferation of unplanned settlements. The study sought to evaluate the existing procedures for issuing building permits, identify the key challenges affecting applicants, and propose a geospatial framework to improve operational efficiency and regulatory compliance. Adopting a descriptive research design, the study combined both qualitative and quantitative approaches to gather comprehensive data. Field measurements using GPS, analysis of scanned cadastral maps, Landsat satellite imagery, document reviews, structured questionnaires, and interviews with key informants constituted the primary data collection methods. Spatial data analysis was performed using ArcGIS and QGIS software, incorporating overlay techniques and reduction mapping to understand patterns and trends, while qualitative responses were analyzed through content analysis and summarized using basic statistical tools. The results indicate that a significant proportion of respondents, over 75% of the 159 surveyed, encountered delays in permit processing exceeding two months. The primary factors contributing to these delays were identified as bureaucratic inefficiencies (48.43%), insufficient public awareness of permit procedures (14.46%), and the high costs associated with application processing (12%). Additionally, the study highlighted that the continued dependence on manual record-keeping and paper-based systems exacerbates the occurrence of unplanned settlements, with notable cases observed in areas like Rancheria. These findings emphasize the need for modernization in permit management to address both administrative bottlenecks and uncontrolled urban expansion. The study concludes that the integration of geospatial technology can substantially enhance the transparency, efficiency, and responsiveness of urban planning authorities. By maintaining regularly updated spatial databases, local authorities can monitor settlement growth, streamline permit issuance, and enforce compliance more effectively. Such systems would provide urban planners with real-time spatial intelligence, facilitating evidence-based decision-making, timely intervention, and sustainable settlement management. Ultimately, adopting Geo-spatial technology in building permit administration can reduce delays, minimize unauthorized construction, and support systematic urban development, ensuring that growth aligns with strategic planning objectives and community needs.