Challenges of urbanization to squatter settlements in greater Khartoum : the case of Dar Elsalam El- Magarba in Khartoum North, the Sudan

Abstract EN

East Nile locality witnessed rapid urbanization during the last decade which created challenges to Dar Elsalam El- Magarba squatter settlement which dates back to more than half a century.

This research aimed to examine these challenges and to propose a model for its upgrading to consolidate with its rapidly growing and urbanizing geographic neighborhood.

Sources of data included field visits during January and February 2020; direct discussion with some head persons in Dar Elsalam El- Magarba; firsthand experience of the author’s living in its neighborhood for more than a decade; GIS analysis of relevant satellite imageries which produced detailed maps for its morphology particularly roads elongation and width and housing units and surface elevation; beside local authority file data; and the Internet.

Rapid urbanization in East Nile locality had consequent on architectural disconformities of Dar Elsalam El- Magarba with its surrounding residential areas, change of functionality of some houses on its outer skirts; rise of land rent, excess division of its occupied area; population crowdedness; over pressure on its lacked behind services, traffic congestion; promotion of some traditional houses to multi-storey type, and acceptance of advantages of location centrality.

These influences created challenges to Dar Elsalam El- Magarba itself and, more excessively to its geographic neighborhood and this requires wise intervention that could be through the proposed “DLSSLSSPA” model “after the first letters of itsfive consecutive principles and four consecutive steps”, and a final assessment to judge for its success (positivity) or failure (negativity).