Pros of settling in an undeveloped area
Plots in virgin areas are usually cheap and if you have money, you can easily buy a number of them.
FILE PHOTO
It may seem a virgin area but upon investigation, you may find out there are giant developments about to happen near by or that the leasehold is owned by a company whose reputation is not good.
Vincent Agaba, the managing director Avarts Housing limited, says settling in a new area with few or no settlements although challenging, is a good thing because after a few years, the place is likely to develop. To him, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.
Advantages
Being one of the first residents in an area has the advantage that buying land in such a virgin area is relatively cheaper than in an already developed settlement area.
“Plots in such an area are not as expensive as they would be in the areas that are already developed. This is because there are still a few challenges that can easily be solved but people still have the fear of settling in such an area,” says Agaba.
Organising settlements in a new area is very easy because it is just starting and easy to control in terms of zoning principles because people are likely to comply with the principles that they have found in place than just being imposed on the already existing settlements. The things like plot and street numbering is easy for identification.
Depending on the need, Eng Abdu Nasir Mugisha thinks it is easy to put infrastructures such as roads, hospitals and others in the new settlements than those that already exist because there will be enough space for the infrastructures.
Also, Mugisha says, “People who occupy this area are more likely to be of the same character in terms of income thereby avoiding the slum tendencies.”
Challenges
Choosing to settle in an area with few settlements may be challenging in a way that you may have to move longer distances since most of such places are usually out of town and are away from the work places. Sometimes the roads to such places are insecure or impassible.
“There could be water shortages so access in the dry seasons becomes difficult and other social amenities may be lacking in such an area. Since most of the virgin places are usually isolated, there could be a security problem until more people join the settlement.
However, you can work with the police to ensure more security in the place,” says Agaba.
Due to population pressure in the surrounding areas, over time, settlements in this area are more likely to increase so these problems will reduce to no more and in no time, it will be regarded as a developed area.
Mugisha thinks that settling in virgin area is the best way to go forward from slums because it enables physical planning and organisation of such an area because if there are any policies, they are easily taken up.
The basic things to look out for in a new area
Before you make any decisions to settle in a new area, it is important for you to check the access and availability of piped water. “You cannot depend on rain all the time. Therefore, check to see if the area has enough piped water just in case there will not be any rain especially in the dry season,” says Agaba.
Check out for the nearest police station and other security services in the area. Also find out the road network, trading centres and hospitals nearby in case you may have to rush someone to hospital in the mid of the night.
While some few adults may be able to bear with total darkness, children are afraid. If you are a family with children settling in a new area, consider a power and electricity availability so you do not ruin your family’s happiness.
“It is important to note that when a family has children, they usually feel powerless and lacking comfort due to their unfamiliar surroundings after the family has shifted. Some parents underestimate the feelings of the children but it is important that you communicate with your child and help them adjust to the new place,” says Mugisha.
ADVICE
Once your town council evaluates your property, find out from them how much you are supposed to pay per year.
Make payments every year so that the money does not accumulate.
