Locational Analysis of Accommodation Facilities in Makindye Municipality

ABSTRACT This study investigated location of accommodation facilities in Makindye Municipality. This was after the realisation that the rapid urbanisation of the municipality had created issues, challenges and prospects for prosperity in the accommodation industry. The study specifically sought to achieve the following objectives: to establish the determinants for the location of accommodation facilities in Makindye Municipality; to examine the role of accommodation facilities in the socio-economic transformation of Makindye Municipality; and to find out the problems faced by the accommodation industry in Makindye Municipality. To achieve the stated objectives, the study was guided by the following research questions: what are the determinants for the location of accommodation facilities in Makindye Municipality? What role do accommodation facilities play in the socio-economic transformation of Makindye Municipality? The study design took the form of a case study of the location of accommodation facilities in Makindye Municipality. The study also involved purposive sampling in which the data sought were qualitative. A sample of 40 respondents was selected for the study. The respondents included lodge and hotel workers, taxi and tour operators, commuters and tourists, academics and opinion leaders across Makindye Municipality. The data were collected using interviews and observations [for primary data] and documents analysis [for secondary data]. The data were analysed qualitatively through the literal description and narrations of the emerging issues out of which opinions and conclusions were authentically drawn. The study established that the location of accommodation facilities—in Makindye Municipality was due to a combination of factors that included transport networks, community initiative, market, growth pole centre (trading centre) and the liberalisation of the economy. The study also found out indicated that accommodation facilities were vital in the socio-economic transformation of Makindye Municipality in a number of ways. Accommodation facilities were found to be a source of employment, market and tax revenue among others. The study revealed that the accommodation industry in Makindye Municipality faced a multiple of problems. The problems included inadequate capital, high operational costs, and seasonality of customers and competition, vices and threat of terrorists. The study concludes that the location of accommodation facilities in Makindye Municipality was a reflection of a multiple ofsoc.io economic factors (e.g., liberalisation, rapid urbanisation, unemployment, informalisation of the economy and failure to expand the formal sector). As a result, the masses have s taken their own initiatives to survive so as alleviate destitution and to create employment and opportunities. Further, the accommodation industry will continue to face problems such as inadequate capital, poor facilities, and unfair taxes, competition for market, etc. given the fact that capitalism [market forces] is at work. The study recommends for more urban planning with regards to the location of accommodation facilities so that they are not haphazardly located. The study recommends that the city planners should consider the accommodation industry as one of the city realities and work out a modality for controlling and regulating this industry given the fact that.it has a multiplier effect that can transform Makindye Municipality. The study also recommends a fair taxation, which is not exploitative and more training in hospitality and hotel management.