Adoptability of community mobilisation concept for effective operation and maintenance of low-income condominium projects in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Sri Lanka's housing policy has welcomed the integration of high-rise condominiums In response to the demand for housing of low-income residents in underserved settlements, aiming to enhance population density. However, inadequate maintenance practices in these condominiums have resulted in considerable deterioration, posing critical safety and health risks to occupants. Community Mobilisation (CM) is recognized as an effective behavior-based strategy to foster behavioral change and active participation in regular maintenance activities. This research focuses on studying CM interventions that can influence the behaviors of low-income condominium dwellers regarding maintenance management and operational issues. In order to fulfill the research goals, a mixed-methodology was utilized, including expert interviews and a structured questionnaire survey involving 391 condominium dwellers. A comprehensive literature review identified 12 common operational and maintenance management issues in low-income condominiums. A CM model was developed using the CM approach and Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) to address attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control. The CM model incorporated strategies such as bringing people together, raising awareness, assisting in resource delivery, and facilitating community participation to enhance attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control, respectively. The results illustrate that behavioral attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control exert significant influence on the behavioral intention and actions (behaviour) of occupants in operation and maintenance management. The study offers valuable insights for policymakers, condominium developers, and low-income residents to improve the sustainability and livability of high-rise condominiums in Sri Lanka. Keywords: maintenance management, low-income, condominiums, community mobilization, theory of planned behaviour