THE IMPACT OF FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC NASARAWA ON THE PHYSICAL GROWTH OF NASARAWA TOWN

THE IMPACT OF FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC NASARAWA ON THE PHYSICAL GROWTH OF NASARAWA TOWN

(A Case Study of Tammah)

ABSTRACT

A polytechnic sited in a metropolitan environment specially is regarded among other things as a veritable citadel of learning and vehicle for physical and socio-economic emancipation of the people. Not only that the institution be a source of light into the darkness of ignorance, poverty and disease, but it will also provide gainful employment opportunities to its patrons, through it many linkage which will inevitably spring up over time. Host communities to such institutions are usually seems as the primary beneficiaries if the opportunities thus provided are effectively harnessed. This study is under taken to examine the impact of federal polytechnic Nasarawa on the physical growth of Tammah Nasarawa. The study is divided into five chapters and each of the chapters discusses specific issues. The first chapter deals with the introductory aspect of the study, it covers the statement of problem, aim, objectives, scope and significance of the study. The second chapter covers the literature review of concept of Town and Gown and to identify its implication on the physical growth of the town. The third chapter deals with the methodology use in collection of data that is used in analysis. Then chapter four deals with analysis of data collected and presentation through charts and tables, data like the socio-economic data and physical survey data etc. A research survey was used while systematic sampling techniques were employed in selecting   the sample, realizing the extent of physical development that have taken place in Tammah. 150 questionnaire were distributed but only 135 were completed and returned which represented 80% response rate. The chapter also contains the summary and finding. Chapter five deals with recommendations and Conclusion .The finding showed that the impact so far made, is significant.

CHAPTER ONE

1. Introduction

It is an agreeable fact that higher education institutions contribute to the development of a global civil society and assist local communities in having a demographic voice in the process of globalization. Perspectives of the role of higher education in regional development vary often depending on the way a region is defined. In Australia for instance, Garlick discusses three types of relationships between higher education institutions and their impact on the region. A structuralize perspective refers to situations in which higher education institutions are seen as economic boosters in rural areas, while a spatial perspective is associated with equity measures such as student placement, usually based on distance from metropolitan centers. A ‘third steam’ perspective is based on recognition of the significance of a region to the higher education institutions that are located their (Garlick, 2005,)According to (Arbo, 2005),the higher education institutions and their role in regional development seems to be centered around four basic themes, namely; the notion of centrality of a university; its meaning and purpose, it mission and operation; and its innovation agenda and new modes of governance. Thus higher education institutions have always had an impact on their ‘region’ aside producing trained and educated manpower, higher institution research and innovations are often seen as engines of growth of regional development. Communities hosting a higher education will therefore, have to prepare to allow innovations and development which cannot but compromise some social, environmental and cultural interests of the people. Such is the case of Tammah community that house Federal polytechnic Nasarawa.

For instance, perceive changes in land uses from purely agricultural to residential, Educational, commercial with agriculture and other traditional jobs suffering neglect for trading and other white collar jobs. The above examples are the physical impact the establishment is having on the immediate environment. This project is attempting to examine the physical impact of Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa on Tammah Community through the use of maps to show the changes in the community and attributes to unravel the physical implications.

1.1       Statement of problem          

The establishment of federal polytechnic on the 1^st of July 1983 in Nasarawa town has resulted to a lot of changes in the town over the years. These changes include the rapid growth of socio- economic activities, urban spatial growth of the town and increase in Land value among others. This research intends to investigate the impact of the location of the school on the physical growth of Tammah in Nasarawa Town.

1.2       Aim

The aim of this research is to assess the impact of Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa on the physical growth of Tammah Nasarawa with a view to improving orderly development of the town.

1.3       Objectives

• To examine the concept of Town and Gown .and identify its implication on physical growth of the town.
• To examine the extent of physical development before and after the establishment of Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa.
• To identify the implication of these changes on the growth of Tammah Nasarawa.
• To evolve measures which will consolidate the positive impact and promote the achievement of academic excellence in the school.

1.4       Scope of the study

This study covers the impact of Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa (Nasarawa state of Nigeria) on the physical growth of Tammah Nasarawa. In the physical aspect of Tammah. The time frame by the study is the period of 2005-2015.

1.5       Limitation of the study

This research has been limited to finance, time and difficulty in accessing some data, many problems were encountered in the course of gathering data for this research. This difficulty was as a result of absence of well-equipped library. However, some of these data where later obtained.

1.6       Justification of the study

These are the following stakeholders that will benefit from this research work if fully accomplished:- 

1. Federal, state and local government would benefit the research work, and would improve the academic standard in the community.
2. Federal polytechnic Nasarawa will benefit from this research work; it will serve as a tool for decision making and policy formulation. That will guide the development of the Institution and enhance the learning and teaching environment within the town.

1.7         Definition of terms

Impact: According to chamber Dictionary, the word impact means the blow, one thing striking another, a collision of strong effect of something on the other.

Institution: According to oxford Dictionary define institution as an organization founded for a religious, educational, professional and social purpose.

Polytechnic: Oxford Dictionary defined polytechnic as an institution of higher education offering courses at degree level or below especially in vocational subject.

ASSESSING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF DEVELOPMENT CONTROL MEASURES IN RIVERS STATE

ASSESSING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF DEVELOPMENT CONTROL MEASURES IN RIVERS STATE

 

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

1.1       Background to the Study

The number of people living in urban centres continues to grow at approximately twice the rate of that in the rural areas and it is expected that the global city population will increase from 2.76 billion in 1995 to 5.34 billion in the year 2025.This will lead to exerting greater pressure on the natural environment than ever before as such increasing the rate of urban sprawl (Ngetich, Opata, Mulongo, 2014). Increasingly, deterioration of the environment is becoming worrisome and as such attention is being focused on the management of the urban environment. However, only few people recognise that the management of the urban environment can only be effective with a sound development control of the structural development in urban centres (Nuhu, Yohana, 2013).

Most of the problems of the urban centres in Nigeria could probably have been prevented if there is effective development control (Sanusi, 2006). For instance, in Hong Kong, evaluating development control activity has brought about improved economy and the physical environment. It has identified major areas of non compliance and addressed them. This could not have been achieved if development control activity was not evaluated over time especially between different landuses (Cherry, 2006). This therefore makes evaluating development control in urban centres important so as to ensure that compliance with physical development regulations are adhered to. Furthermore, the environmental defenders office of South Australia (2011), claimed that the practice of assessing compliance level of development control gave the city a livable, convenient, improved economy which gave rise to aesthetic urban centres that meet the definition of town planning. This was done by curbing the challenges of implementing the provision of the planning authority’s plan for an ideal environment and checkmating the developer who wishes to undertake unguided activity that may have contravening impact on the environment. Before and after the emergence of the 1946 Town and country planning ordinance in Nigeria, development control was operational in regions. However, the neglect and non implementation of full planning proposals and development control has made areas that would have been designated as ideal neighbourhood in districts, towns and cities grow haphazardly (Obabori, Obiuwevbi,Olomu, 2007). This trend has been observed in Minna, Niger state of Nigeria. Development Control stands at the heart of urban development. It is a technical tool for ensuring that all users of urban land exercise some discipline in land development conformingto planning rules and regulations.

Analysts such as Sanusi (2006) believe that if development control is sound, it is possible to avoid part of the problems facing urban centres such as, slum, squatter settlements, polluted environment, unregulated and mixed landuses and other environmental nuisance. Physical planning therefore, entails putting in place a system of controls either to allow for those changes which are in accordance with plans and policies, or to prevent those developments that are not in the plans and policies from taking place (Falade, 2003). Keeble (1969) avers that development control involves regulation of the detailed aspects of development, of which precise guidance cannot be given by the development plan, so as to ensure convenience and safety. In the real sense, the purpose is to allow for orderly environment that will meet the requirements for ideal living. Agbola, (1985) observed that development control is a collection of interrelated para-legal and administrative techniques and instrument designed to safeguard, regulate, conserve and disburse land or part thereof in the interest of the overall community.

In Nigeria, development control took proper effect after the introduction of the Urban and Regional Planning Decree of 1992. This gave rise to the establishment of development control agencies at Federal, State and Local government levels. Also, with the establishment of development control agencies at various levels, there has been some degree of orderliness in some cities where development control is more effective (Ogundele, Odewumi &Aigbe, 2010).

Omole and Akinbamijo, (2012) asserts that development control is primarily used to achieve the objectives of implementing planning strategies, environmental safety and better health. However, effectively assessing its activities has continued to suffer major setbacks due to the challenges attributed to plan implementation. As such, a different approach of assessing development control becomes necessary. Tremendous efforts have been made in the pursuance of a more organized and orderly arrangement of land uses within Nigerian cities from the colonial era to date. In spite of such efforts, Nigerian cities still portray environmental problems arising from a gross disregard of development control. In recent times, adoption of Remote Sensing (RS) offers cost-effective solutions to city planners and meets data needs for both macro and micro level analysis of land use planning in urban environment management. Geographic Information System (GIS) is used for integration of various data sets to obtain a homogenous composite land development unit which help in identifying the problem areas and suggest conservation measures (Nuhu &Yohana, 2013).

Furthermore, Sanusi (2006) opined that Port Harcourt, the capital of River state is facing increasing growth and expansion like other Nigerian cities. This physical transformation in River state  necessitated the establishment of River State Urban Development Board (RUDB) in 1998 with a view to control physical development in the area and other major towns within the state. Since then, development control has been enforced  in the state by the Board. Although some degrees of success have been recorded, the absence of a well coordinated approach to evaluate development control activity in the metropolis has resulted in non compliance by many and also led to the contravening of physical development within the metropolis unchecked. In order to make proper evaluation of the compliance level of development control activities and make adequate recommendations, effective technique is required. Hence, the need to access the effectiveness of development control measures in rivers state.

1.2       Statement of the Problem

As rural settlements grow and become urban centres, and urban centres become large municipal areas, there is always increased competition in the demand for land. It is therefore pertinent that adequate planning and control mechanism be put in place to ensure harmonious development and functional efficiency. To achieve this fundamental activity, layouts of various land uses such as residential, commercial, industrial, open spaces and recreation, circulation and institutional uses among others are undertaken to standardise and control physical development and ensure harmonious growth (Aribigbola 2008). According to Oyesiku (1997) the forms and patterns of distribution of structures in general to promote the good health, accessibility, convenience and harmonious land use is a function of the rights and methods of dealing with land development. Effective urban land control and management particularly in areas with rapid urban sprawl is imperative to prevent urban land use problems such as slum formation, rising costs of land, accessibility to urban land for housing, incompatible use, flooding, overcrowding and congestion among others. In most cases development takes precedence over planning. This notwithstanding, the process of accretion has been so rapid in most cases that, efforts at spatial re-organization and development control are often left behind. The cumulative effect of this accretion in urban centres is seen in the haphazard distribution of land uses and structures without regard to any planning standards, the attendant problems of congestion, the inaccessibility to some areas, pollution and other forms of environmental degradation becomes inevitable (Abubakari, Romanus, 2011).

Most cities in Nigeria are currently experiencing continuous physical growth and the resultant effect is an increase in the demand of land for various purposes like; commercial, residential, industrial, public and semi public purposes. The course of becoming a developed country has created numerous problems of urban growth management in Nigeria such as imbalance in land use allocation, overcrowding, pollution and loss of natural resources (Okosun, 2010). This scenario therefore has called for the need for physical planning and effective development control mechanisms in order to ensure balance in land use distribution and also to ensure maximum degree of compliance to the provision of the master plan of the cities. Abubakari and Romanus (2011), identify development control as a tool that facilitates appropriate development, recognising its significance in building and protecting a healthy economy and a sustainable environment. It also examines the potential impact of the proposed development, protects the public interest from inappropriate development and also involves compliance of all procedures, building code and planning standards to ensure that physical development conform to the approved plans. River state, like any other Nigerian state is experiencing unprecedented growth in the cityscape in the last two decades (Sanusi, 2006). This growth has resulted to various urban challenges thus, the need for physical development control mechanism in the state. The state urban development board has carried out enforcement exercises within Port Harcourt metropolis and has recorded some success but problems like; conversion, overdevelopment, encroachment etc can still be observed in the area. There is therefore the need to assess the effectiveness of development control activities periodically in the area. Thus this study seek to access the effectiveness of development control in River state.

1.3       Aim and Objectives

The aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness of development control measures in rivers state. To achieve this aim, the specific objectives are to;

1. Assess the level of compliance to development control
2. Examine the factors influencing non compliance and enforcement of development control in Port Harcourt metropolis
3. Examine the implications of non compliance to development control using geospatial technique in the area.

1.4       Research questions

1. What is the compliance level to development control in River state?
2. What factors influence noncompliance to development Control activities in Port Harcourt Metropolis?
3. What are the implications of non compliance to development control activities?

 

1.5       Scope of the Study

The scope of this study is limited to the assessment of the effectiveness of development control in River State. The study is further limited to the Port Harcourt  the river state capital.

1.6       Justification of the Study

Urban centres have always been of great concern to policy makers and technocrats. This is because of the role they play in the economic, social and political development of the country. The problems confronting urban centers include housing, transportation, inadequacy of facilities, utilities and services, insecurity and above all physical environmental degradation. Development control measures which is aimed at regulating physical development and settlement with the intention of creating conducive and orderly development of physical structures becomes mandatory to be fully implemented in any fast growing urban centres (Ogundele, et al. 2010).

However the system of development control and its effective implementation is much influenced by various forces, which are at work. Firstly, there is the planning authority’s plan for an ideal environment. Secondly, there is the developer who wishes to undertake an unguided activity which might have impact on the environment. Tremendous effort have been made in pursuance of a more organized and orderly arrangement of uses within Nigerian cities from colonial era to date. In spite of such tremendous effort in pursuance of a more organized and orderly arrangement of uses within the city, the existing condition of our cities still portray an alarming reality of environmental problems and a gross disregard of development control. In our contemporary era, Remote Sensing (RS) offers cost-effective solutions to city planners‟ data needs for both macro and micro level analysis of the land use planning and development control leading to urban environment management. While Geographic Information System (GIS) is used for integration of various data sets to obtain a homogenous composite land development unit which help in identifying the problem areas and suggest recommendations measures to be taking (Nuhu and Yohana, 2013). In Port Harcourt, the complexity of urban development is so dramatic that it demands immediate attention in the area of physical planning of the city. The dynamic nature of urban environment necessitates unprecedented growth thus, the high demand of land for various purposes like Commercial, Residential, Public and Semi Public. These developments are monitored by the River State Urban Development Board to ensure orderliness and compliance to the Master plan, land use zoning plan and other planning schemes. However, it was observed that with the enforcement of development control by the board, compliance level to planning regulations have not been assessed in Port Harcourt which if not given due attention may leave a lot of districts to continue to grow unguided and the challenges to ensure compliance may not be overcome.

1.7       Significance of the Study

The role of development control in management of urban areas cannot be underestimated.

The crucial role of development control makes studies about it relevant to national
development. This study aims at assessing the effectiveness of development control in the
Rivers State.

The study is particularly important as contributes to existing works on

development control in Nigeria. This will contribute to knowledge by discovering new
challenges stakeholders faces in controlling and housing development in urban centers in
growing cities and also serves as a reference material for future research.

The findings of this study will help contribute to good management practice in the public

institutions charged with the responsibility of controlling housing developments in the
country. This is because the study attempts to explore the problems associated with
housing development control and recommends actions to be taken for its effectiveness.

Furthermore, the findings will create awareness of stakeholders on the current state of

housing developments and their effect on the urban environment and people. This will aid
ensure adequate measures are put in place to prevent further developments of the
situations where buildings in urban areas uncontrolled. The implementation of findings of
this research will also lead to improvement in urban housing development and
management as well as related issues in Nigeria as a whole.

The study will extend literature and broaden the frontiers of knowledge in development

control and serve as input into related works in future. The findings could contribute to
tabling issues for consideration in the study district as well as national policies on
ensuring effective developments in the urban areas and beyond.

1.8       Historical Background of the Study Area

Rivers State, also known as Rivers, is a state in the Niger Delta region of southern Nigeria (Old Eastern Region). Formed in 1967, when it was split from the former Eastern Region, Rivers State borders includes; Anambra and Imo on the north, Abia and Akwa Ibom on the east, and Bayelsa and Delta on the west. The state capital, Port Harcourt, is a metropolis that is considered to be the commercial center of the Nigerian oil industry.

With a population of 5,198,716 as of the 2006 census, Rivers State is the 6th most populous state in Nigeria. Rivers State is a diverse state that is home to many ethnic groups, the majority being Igbo or Igboid, but also including the Ogoni and Ijaw. The state is particularly noted for its linguistic diversity, with 28 indigenous languages being said to be spoken in Rivers State, the most dominant of which are the Igbo speaking groups, the Ogoni and Ijaw languages. Rivers State is the 26th largest state by area, and its geography is dominated by the numerous rivers that flow through it, including the Bonny River.

The economy of Rivers State is dominated by the state’s booming petroleum industry. Although the rise of the oil industry has led to increased revenue for the state government, mismanagement and corruption have prevented the state from rapid development and meaningfully tackling poverty. During the 2000s, Rivers State saw a rise in the number of cult killings committed within the state. In 2019, Governor Ezenwo Nyesom Wike declared Rivers State to be a Christian state because it is made up of 90% Christians and 10% orthodox with few strangers practicing Islam unconventionally.

Geography

Rivers State is a predominantly low-lying pluvial state in southern Nigeria, located in the eastern part of the Niger Delta on the oceanward extension of the Benue Trough. The inland part of the state consists of tropical rainforest, and towards the coast, the typical Niger Delta environment features many mangrove swamps. Rivers State has a total area of 11,077 km² (4,277 sq mi), making it the 26th largest state in Nigeria. Surrounding states are Imo, Abia and Anambra to the north, Akwa Ibom to the east and Bayelsa, Delta to the west. On the south, it is bounded by the Atlantic Ocean. Its topography ranges from flat plains, with a network of rivers to tributaries.

Climate

Ogoni Climate activists and others in Port Harcourt protesting environmental degradation in 2015.

Rainfall is generally seasonal, variable, as well as heavy, and occurs between the months of March and October through November. The wet season peaks in July, lasting more than 290 days. The only dry months are January and February having little to no effect.

Total annual rainfall decreases from about 4,700 mm (185 in) on the coast, to about 1,700 mm (67 in) in the extreme north. It is 4,698 mm (185 in) at Bonny along the coast and 1,862 mm (73 in) at Degema. For Port Harcourt, temperatures throughout the year are relatively constant with little variation throughout the course of the seasons. Average temperatures are typically between 25 and 28 °C (77 and 82 °F). Some parts of the state still receive up to 150 mm (6 in) of rainfall during the dry period. Relative humidity rarely dips below 60% and fluctuates between 90% and 100% for most of the year.

AN ASSESSMENT OF SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION OF BLOCK MOLDING INDUSTRY IN KEFFI TOWN

AN ASSESSMENT OF SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION OF BLOCK MOLDING INDUSTRY IN KEFFI TOWN

ABSTRACT

The block manufacturing activities in keffi town are involved in the production of virtually all sizes of sand Crete. The operators  are mostly youth whose ages are between 28 years and 45 years with all of them having one form of education or the other but mostly in the elementary education category and like many informal sectors activities, skills for their job was acquired on the job. The activities of these artisans have contributed in no small measure to the development of AMAC urban economy providing jobs and skills to a large number of youths and helping the growths of the housing construction units. Their activities were however, unplanned, uncoordinated and so negates the essence of environmental planning, the poor electricity supply and other supporting facilities has not helped the growth of this sector and most importantly the lack of permanent location for the operators who only occupy and pay rent for yet-to be developed plots and road setbacks has made them nuisance within the urban environment even with their enormous contributions.

CHAPTER ONE

1.1     INTRODUCTION

Block molding industries is becoming the backbone of building construction of every country. Block molding industry is one of the largest production sectors of the construction industry in Nigeria (Anosike 2011). Virtually every Local Government Area has one or more small or large scale block production factories. Block production is no doubt a lucrative venture, if properly managed.

Mead (1994) in a study asserted that block molding industry are category of small industry that contributes only 2-3% to the GDP. The industry plays an important role in the economy of developing country. These block molding industry are divided into several parts which includes  stabilized bricks /blocks, sundried (Adobe) soil blocks, burnt clay bricks/ blocks, cast in-situ walls, rice husk ash (RHA), mud and straw, lime and stone Crete blocks.

Their locations, like several other informal activities, are without formal arrangement (Jelili, et. al 2017) and as such remain unpredictable. They take advantages of open spaces, and undeveloped land within the urban Centre’s there by deforming the beauty of the urban environment.

According to part B of the fifth schedule of the environmental protection Act (EPA), item 3. Location/sitting of block molding industry includes the followings, the site should be located in industrial areas or at a suitable site outside the defined settlement/residential areas or within the buffer of bad neighborhood activities/development, and the existing development context of the site should be compatible with the activity. At the design stage of new block making plants, consideration should be given to the site lay-out, with a view to avoiding disturbances to the surrounding environment. In particular, attention should be paid to the location of entrances, exists, car parks, access road and amenities, the site should not be located within any environmental sensitive area (ESA) and it’s prescribed buffer zone as per ESA study 2009 such as wetlands, steep slope and in areas that are likely to be affected by hazards such as inland flooding, landslide and Storm surges, amongst others.

On-site wastewater disposal facility such as septic tank and absorption pit/leaching fields shall be located not less than 30m from any water course, existing natural drains and watercourse on or in the vicinity of the site shall not be Tampered with.

1.1     STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

In developing countries like Nigeria Block molding industry is seen as an informal sector which make used of open spaces within the residential areas thereby posing threats to the surrounding environment. The problems that face the block molding industries in KEFFI.Are common (Sultan &Kajewski, 2003). These problems include:-

1.       Poor location/sitting of block molding industry in the study area withoutrecourse to environmental protection guideline for block making plant

2.        Lack of physical planning standard and regulations for sitting block industry in Nigeria.

There is also evidence that the problems have become greater in extent and severity in recent years (Ofori, 2000).

1.2     AIM

          The aim of study is to examine the locational distribution of block molding industries in keffi, with a view of evolving appropriate planning proposal for the study area.

1.3     OBJECTIVES

1. To examine the existing planning provision for the sitting and operation of block molding industries in KEFFI.
2. To examine the concept of block molding industries in KEFFI.
3. To examine the standards of block molding industries in KEFFI.
4. To identify the prospects and challenges facing block molding industries in KEEFI.
5. To examine the socio economic characteristics of block molding industries in the study area.
6. To make planning proposal for block molding industry in the study area.

1.4     RESEARCH QUESTIONS

1. What is the existing planning provision for the sitting and operation of block molding industries in KEFFI?
2. What is the concept of block molding industries in KEFFI?
3. What are the standards of block molding industries in KEFFI?
4. What are the socio economic characteristics of block molding industries in the study area?
5. What are the prospects and challenges facing block molding industries in KEFFI?

1.5     SCOPE

The study is delimited to planning implication of indiscriminate location of Block molding industries in KEFFI.

1.6     JUSTIFICATION

This study is imperative in order to achieve the various urban planning objectives of enhancing, convenience, aesthetics, compatibility in land uses and functionality within the urban area as well as striving to achieve the millennium development goal of ensuring environmental sustainability. It will serve as a working document that will guide the federal government in the provision of block molding activity in KEFFI town, and it will also create job opportunity.

This study is important because effective implementation of this work will serve as a model for other urban centers in the state and the country at large, and will also serve as a reference material for other researchers who will embark on similar project.

1.6     STUDY METHODOLOGY

The study will deal with research designed, procedure use in carrying out investigation about any prevailing circumstances. However methodology refers to the method a researcher adopt in the collection of necessary information about research on block industries in keffi town.

1.7  SOURCE OF DATA

1. Primary Data: – This data is collected directly by the researcher from administered questionnaire, oral interviews and observation. This will include public attitude such as: feeling, participation and understanding as shell be measured by liker scale and from questionnaires. The source will be from the despondence.
2. Secondary Data:- secondary data shall include materials from published and unpublished source and records that have to do with land sub-division.

1.8`   METHOD AND INSTRUMENT OF DATA COLLECTION

The instruments used are questionnaires, oral interview and library review.

1.9 QUESTIONNAIRE METHOD

One questionnaire was prepared and distributed containing 32 items and was administered to respondents using the systematic sampling method. A total of 204 questionnaires were administered to the respondents, this is done to elicit information from the respondent alike on sector proposal block molding industries in keffi L.G.A.

1.10 ORAL INTERVIEW

Oral interview were conducted in KEFFI. The purpose of this, is to clarify issues that were not contained in the questionnaire and also to determine why the respondent respond the way the did to certain questions. The two methods above formed the source of primary data used for this investigation.

1.11 LIBRARY REVIEW

The major source of secondary data was materials from books, journal, magazine, internet (search Engine) and other related previous research works. These materials were found must useful in literature review. Private and public library were also consulted.

1.12 RESEACH POPULATION

A research population of 5092 was taken, 204 questionnaires were administered and collected. 1:4 sampling frame was adopted and 4% of sample survey was carried out.

1.13SAMPLING METHOD

Systematic sampling procedure was adopted for respondents. The area was divided into two and each of these area, 102 questionnaires were distributed given a total of 204 questionnaires.

1.14 INSTRUMENT USED FOR DATA ANALYSIS

This include, table, figures, percentage, and bar chart were used to classify analysis and evaluate the data collected from the field survey in order to present an understanding and clean picture of the field data.

SUMMARY OF METHODOLOGY TECHNQUES PROCEDURE

• Total population            5092
• Sample size                    4%
• Sample frame                 1:4
• Number of questionnaire         204
• Sampling method           Systematic sampling technique

AN APPRAISAL OF HOUSING CONDITION IN KANTOMA, SULEJA, NIGER STATE

AN APPRAISAL OF HOUSING CONDITION IN KANTOMA, SULEJA, NIGER STATE

ABSTRACT

The need for Housing in Kantoma as there is both qualitative and quantitative housing provision in the study area, people find it difficult to move to place of work and other activities and some go outside the neighbourhood to work, this motivated the work.  Primary data were obtained through administration of structured questionnaires to a random size of population in the area. Oral interviews and field observations were also carried out for holistic and detail assessment of the environment. Secondary data were obtained from desk review method; information on environmental issues resulting housing shortage. The study identifies some problems and recommends that a strong legislation with severe sanction be put in place and they should be a continuous public enlightenment.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1       BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

In recent times, there has been a growing concern on the deteriorating state of housing in most urban areas of the developing nations. Consequently, the need for a decent and adequate shelter has long been an issue requiring urgent global attention. Since shelter constitutes one of man’s basic needs, it does have a profound impact on the health, wellbeing, social attitudes and economic productivity of the individual. However, it has been pointed out that residential quality and the quality of life are two variables of the same equation. Thus, the quality of housing, being basically an important health element, affects the well-being of the people, their productivity, manner of living and the decencies of their lives.

Significantly, good quality housing provides the foundation for stable communities and social inclusion. Previous research has established that a positive correlation exists between the quality of life and the comfort, convenience and visual appeal of housing. Good quality housing is therefore essential to planning. It does not only ensure the safety and wellbeing of people, but promotes beauty, convenience and aesthetics in the overall built-up environment.

Existing realities have however indicated an apparent variation in housing characteristics across different regions. The consequences of adaptation and restructuring have resulted into differences in housing quality in different communities. This problem of differential housing quality is compounded by the very rapid urban growth. However, studies have shown that the provision of appropriate housing, particularly for the urban poor constitutes a major challenge to development in most African countries and developing nations’ at large; and. Despite increasing emphasis on the need to improve housing, particularly within the urban areas of the less developed countries (LDCs), a high proportion of the urban population are deprived of access to good quality housing. Going by a UN-Habitat estimate, more than one billion of the world’s city residents live in low quality housing, mostly in the sprawling slums and squatter settlements in developing countries. The reality is that this urban housing scenario has adverse implications on the general wellbeing of the people and portends severe danger to the socioeconomic and physical development of the nations at large.

In Suleja, like in other towns and cities in the country, the provision of housing has been a major concern for some time. Access to decent and good quality housing has posed serious challenge to sustainable growth and development. While there has been an increasing demand for additional housing stock in the urban areas, the condition and overall quality of the existing stock falls short of the expected standard. Consequently, the urban house forms accommodated extended families living with many inconveniences while spatial congestion and infrastructure overloads cause problem in living comfort.

Considering the gravity of the housing problems and its effects on the wellbeing of the people and the nation at large, there is the need for housing improvements in our cities, and this is predicated on the appreciation of the essence of the house within the context of human habitation. There is no doubt, that housing remains a basic human need. Its quality, cost, and availability are crucial to individual’s quality of life. Also, the location, planning, layout and design make an important contribution to community spirit and identity, and are significant components of the social dimension of sustainable development.

1.2       STATEMENT OF PROBLEMS

There is high prevalence of housing quantitative deficiency and inadequacy in supply in the study area as a result of absence of affordable land for housing development, cost of building material, inadequate provision of infrastructure and service and non-implementation of National housing policy.

1.3       AIM

The aim of this dissertation is to assess housing condition in Kantoma, Suleja Town with a view to evolving physical planning proposals improvement.

1.4       OBJECTIVES

i.       To examine the concept and indicators for evaluating housing condition.

ii.      To examine the physical condition of Kantoma.

iii.     To examine the socio-economic characteristic of the residence of Kantoma.

iv.     To evaluate the housing condition of the town.

v.      To evolve physical planning solution to the identified problems.

1.5       SCOPE

The study area covers the entireKantoma, Suleja Town located in Suleja local government area of Niger State.

1.6       LIMITATION

The following are the limitation encountered in the course of the research.

1. There was shortage of fund to carry out the project.
2. During the data collection, some respondent were reluctant to fill the question.

1.7       JUSTIFICATION

The result of this study will provide a guide for the appropriate authorities to decide on a new strategy for housing development.

1.8       PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

The climate of Suleja is associated with two distinct seasons, wet and dry season. The rainy season starts from March to October and sometimes delays to around April to October. The rainy season occur for about seven (7) months. The dry season is about five (5) months November to March. During the period, the temperature and humidity follow closely the pattern of two dominant tropical air masses leading to the emergence of distinct regimes of;

(i)         Hot and humid period April- July

(ii)        Cool and humid period July – October

(iii)       Cool and dry period November – February

(iv)       Hot and dry period February – March

1.8.1    TEMPERATURE

Temperature within this area is average of about . The possibilities of the temperature drooping to the barest minimum degree centigrade are positive because it is embedded within a mountain.

1.8.2    LAND USE OF THE AREA

The land use of the area is predominantly residential/commercial development coming up.

1.8.3    VEGETATION

 Generally, the vegetation of Niger State is characterized by savannah which is also typically stratified community with a discontinuous canopy, shrubs and grass layers. The free stratum is less dense than that of the savannah woodland but more substantial than that of the shrub savannah.

1.8.4    SOIL AND GEOLOGY

The geographical area is sand and rocky. These rocky are igneous rock the soil part of the region is good. It consists of humus soil that is responsible for the good vegetation within the region.

1.8.5    WIND

The two pronounced air masses experienced in Suleja are the north-east trade winds (tropical continental winds) from the Sahara desert in winter (September-April) which is moist south west monsoon winds which blows from the Atlantic ocean and brings rain with it.

1.8.6    HUMIDITY

Reference to Nasarawa, relative humidity is high compare to what is experienced in most northern States this is because of effects of altitude.

1.8.7    HYDROLOGY

Suleja is characterized by a network of streams and rivers. Many of the streams are small and seasonal. The major ones like river Uke and Ado are the ones that flow through the season, but in some extreme  years they dry up at the peak of dry season.

1.8.8    TOPOGRAPHY

Suleja has a gentle slope that is undulating dissected by a network of streams characterized by a lot of hills and granite in other parts of the area. ‘The area is generally within 300 – 500m above sea level.

EVALUATION OF HOUSING CONDITION IN MASAKA TOWN

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EVALUATION OF HOUSING CONDITION IN MASAKA TOWN

CHAPTER ONE

1.0     INTRODUCTION

          Among ‘the diverse environmental concerns facing developing countries including Nigeria and by extension Nasarawa state and Karu local government. In Masaka town the issue of housing is probably the most fundamental. Housing is not just a roof over one’s head; it is the conjunction the dwelling, the home, the immediate environment and the country community (WHO, 2004). Housing is described as “inadequate” if it does not have basic facilities, infrastructure and services such as in adequate spaces. Ventilation waste collection and disposal facilities, sanitation, electricity, water supply and general environmental quality.

          Adequate housing therefore remains critical to human health, comfort and general wellbeing. As Astrolabe (2000) further noted adequate housing satisfy a trinity of need in an occupant. These are physical needs, emotional needs (comprising both aesthetic and psychological) and intellecture needs. There is a general consensus that the achievement of hoi she health should transcends mere biomedical consideration and accommodate other factors such as housing. With this in mind researchers have tune their attention to housing impacts where they seek to understand the link between housing and health, have linked inadequate provision of water, electricity sewage and waste facilities, then drainage and ventilation in the home to increase incidences of chronic disease. In the same vein, humidity, crowding, poor ventilation and insect/pests infestation have been associated with failing health, found that the presences of mould and pest proved to increases the risk of asthma and bronchitis. Another study by Polack, Kneseback and Siegrist (2004), overcrowding and poor neighborhood environment were found to be critical to the health of renters group among sampled households. Furthermore, indoor air pollution, arising from cooking stoves, moulds and fungi growth, mosquito repellant burning, tobacco smoking and insecticide spray in the home show significant effects on the respiratory symptoms.

          In Nigeria and Nasarawa state in particular ample studies have been conducted to examine the status of housing condition at different stages.

1.1     STATEMENT OF PROBLEMS

          As result of the non-implementation of master plan, developments were studying up without consolation to planning regulations leading to unorganized and haphazard development.

1. Absence of foundation.
   1. Crack wall.
   1. Leaking roofing.
   1. Dilapidated structures

1.2     AIM OF THE STUDY

          The aim of this dissertation is to evaluate housing condition in Masaka town with a view to proper physical planning solution to the Identified problems.

1.3     OBJECTIVES

1. To examine the concept and indicators for evaluating housing condition.
2. To examine the physical condition of the area.
3. To examine the socio-economic characteristic of the area.
4. To evaluate the housing condition in Masaks
5. To profer physical planning solution to the identified problems.

1.4     SCOPE

          The study area covers the entire Masaka located in Karu localgovernment area of Nasarawa State with a total land area ofl22.6.8 Hectares. It also covers a distance of 23km away from abuja with emphasis laid on utilities and services, facilities, land uses and the general physical of housing condition of Masaka

1.5     LIMITATION

          The study was limited by the difficulty experience in. retrieving      questionnaires and language barriers of some house, heads to answer        questions.

1.7     DEFINITION OF TERMS:

          Community: The community will benefit from, the project in. terms of the provision of adequate facilities, utilities and services as well as good environmental condition for living, recreation, working, security, and employment opportunities to uplift the standard of living of the people.

          Government: The .government stands to gain immensely from the implementation of the proposal plan, as it will generate revenue for itself through imposition of taxes and levies.

          Researchers: This project will serve as an avenue and, source of literature and reference material in planning for a village and similar research work.

1.8     GEOGRAPHICAL AND HISTORICAL SETTING LOCATION

1.8.1 LOCATION

          Nigeria is situated in the shores of the gulf of the guinea from about 4°N- 15°N of the equator, a latitude stretch of about 3°E and 15°E of the Greenwich meridian. Nigeria has a total land area of about 923,300sqkm/ if stretch for about 1,100km from the north to south It is bounded in the south by Atlantic Ocean, to the Benin and to the east by the Cameroon while up north by the Niger republic It has a population of 88 5rmlhon as witnessed by the 1991 census

1.8.2  NATIONAL SETTING

          Abuja is located in the geographical center of Nigeria It has a total area .of about 8,000sqkm and consists of the country.

          If is bounded in the north by Kaduna State, east by Niger State Nasarawa State in the west and while Kogi State in the south

1.8.3  REGIONAL SETTING

          Karu L G A is one of the thirteen area council in the Nasarawa State It is bounded in the north by Keffi/Kokona L G A, in the east Doma L G A, and Toto in the west, Kogi state in the south

1.8.4 LOCAL SETTING

          The study area Masaka is located within Karu L G A of Nasarawa State. It has a total population of about 5745 people and a land area of about 122.68 hectares of land. The settlement is bounded by nyanyagwandara in the west, north-east by Masaka

1.9     HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF MASAKA

Masaksis a town in Karu local government area of Nasarawa State is located between latitudes 8*

          Physical Characteristics

          CLATE: This refers to the atmospheric weather condition of the place over a long period of time, normally an average O1E3.S-40 years. The climatic include:’ temperature, rainfall, humidity wind, sun, radiation, cloud cover.

PLANNING FOR PUBLIC CONVENIENCE IN NASARAWA MAIN MARKET NASARAWA L.G.A

PLANNING FOR PUBLIC CONVENIENCE IN NASARAWA MAIN MARKET NASARAWA L.G.A

CHAPTER ONE

1. INTRODUCTION

Public convenience systems are crucial infrastructure necessary for the social well-being and practical operation of a city. The provision of public sanitary facilities has implications for public and individual health, transportation, crime preventions, urban design, economic and cultural development and social equity. Public Conveniences i.e. Toilets, Bathrooms, Urinals and Comfort rooms are provided largely in public places and institutions. These places include Markets, Motor Parks, Religious institutions, Mosques, Churches, Filling stations, Hospitals, Airports, Sporting grounds, Schools etc. The right of citizenship access to appropriate public toilets emerged in the west with the rise of modernity.

Prior to the period of enlightenment in Britain, urinating, and defecating was a public act, taking place not only in fields and gardens, but also in the streets. By the mid-19th century however, public toilets were built using the public purse to provide citizens the means to urinate or defecate in public while away from home. It is a long time however since Britain led the world with such public health foresight. In most African cities, public conveniences are lacking in terms of quality and quantity, thus residents and visitors are often left wondering where to “go”. There is therefore a real quality of life crisis looming for all of us – especially the young and older members of society. There is a real concern about both the quantity and quality of public conveniences provision in Nasarawa town and the associated problems this causes for the residents and visitors to the town.

Poor provision impacts increasingly on public health and environmental issues such as street cleanliness, social disorder and infections associated with poorly maintained, or nonexistent of public sanitary facilities. The provision of public conveniences is an important factor in delivering a people friendly environments for both residents and visitors; that is free from communicable diseases attributable to poor sanitation. This study tends tocarry out an assessment of the location of public convenience system and its associated problem in Nasarawa main market.

1.1       STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Access to decent and clean general facilities is a basic need (UNICEF, 2014) as well as a right (UN, 2010; WHO, 2011). The rights approach to the provision of public toilets recognized that public sanitary facilities are a right and its denial constitutes a gross violation of human rights (UN, 2010).Despite being a fundamental right, UNICEF (2014) observed that almost one-third of the world’s population suffer on a daily basis from lack of access to clean, hygienic and functioning toilets. The situation is more worrisome in Nigeria, where UNICEF (2016) citing World Bank (2012) noted that: Around 46 million people in Nigeria defecate in the open. Another 56million people are estimated to be added during the next ten years. This means a total of 102 million people or 20 million households should have access to a toilet and use it. Around 122,000 Nigerians and 87,000 children under the age of 5 die each year from diarrhoea; nearly 90% is directly attributed to water, sanitation and hygiene problems. A comprehensive review of 21 studies, covering several countries found a 36% reduction in diarrhoeal morbidity due to improved sanitation. Nigeria loses N455bn annually due to poor sanitation. Goal 7 (target 3) of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) aimed at halving the proportion of the universal population without sustainable access to clean and safe drinking water and sanitation by 2015 (UN, 2000). Similarly, Goal 6 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all (Dodds, 2015). What this means is that sanitation has continued to occupy the forefront in global effort towards sustainable development. Nasarawa main market is not exempted from this global sustainability agenda. It is against this problems that this study seeks assess the location of public convenience system and its associated problem in Nasarawa main market.

1.2       AIM

The aim of this dissertation is to assess the location of public convenience system and its associated problem Nasarawa main market and garage inclusive with the view of making recommendations for improvement.

1.3       OBJECTIVES

The aim would be achieved through the following objectives.

1. To review the concept of sanitation and sanitary facilities and the planning requirements for their provision.
2. To examine the existing situation
3. To identify the associated problems
4. To review distribution pattern of public sanitary facilities in Nasarawa main market
5. Evaluation of available public sanitary facilities in Nasarawa main market.
6. To identify and recommend possible solutions to these problems.
7. To prepare a plan

1.4    SCOPE

The scope of the study covers the assessment of the location of public convenience system and its associated problem in Nasarawa main market with garage inclusive.

1.5      LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

In the cause of embarking on this research several challenges where encountered some of these where:

Lack of detail information from the managers in charge of the public convenience for some security reasons. Lack of good communication skills town which delayed the research process, lack of landscape standard guiding landscape planning in institution of learning.

1.6       JUSTIFICATION  

This project will be beneficial to the Nasarawa town and its environment, for it will help create a healthy and satisfactory public convenience systems voids of any form of hazard associated open defecation and poorly planned and maintained public convenience system.

1.6       HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

GEOGRAPHICAL AND HISTORICAL SETTING /LOCATION

LOCATION

Nigeria is situated in the shores of the gulf of the guinea from about –  of the equator, a latitude stretch of about  and  of the Greenwich meridian. Nigeria has a total land area of about 923,300sqkm, it stretch for about 1,100km from the north to south. It is bounded in the south by Atlantic Ocean, to the west Benin republic and to the east by the Cameroon while up north by the Niger republic. It has a population of about 140 million as witnessed by the 2006 census.

1.6.1   NATIONAL SETTING

Nasarawa state was created in 1996 out of neighboring plateau state. Located in the north central region of Nigeria, it is bordered on the west by the Federal Capital Territory, the north by Kaduna state, and the south by Benue and Kogi state, on the East by Plateau and Taraba states. The state has the land mass of 28,735sqkm with diverse range of ethnic groups indigenous to the state. According to the 2006 census a little less than 2 million people reside in the state. The state has 13 local government councils and the capital located in Lafia.

1.6.2   REGIONAL SETTING

Nasarawa state is one of the 36 states of Nigeria. It has a central located within the middle belt region of the country. Nasarawa state live between latitude 7° w and 9°37E of the Green which meridian.

1.6.3   LOCAL SETTING

The location of Nasarawa local government area is approximately 8 east longitude and 8.5 north latitude. It is about 40Km south of  Keffi Nasarawa local government is bounded  on the north by Keffi local government area, to the west by federal capital territory while to the south by Doma local government area respectively.

            1.7       PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS                                                                         

1.7.1   CLIMATE

 This refers to the weather condition of the place over a long period of time, normally an average of 35 to 40 years. The climate include: temperature, rainfall, humidity, wind, sun radiation, cloud cover etc.

1.7.2   TEMPERATURE                                                                                                       

Within this area is averagely about . The possibility of the temperature increasing to a maximum degree centigrade is negative

1.7.3   VEGETATION

Generally, the vegetation of Nasarawa State is characterized by savannah vegetation with canopy trees, shrubs and grass layers. The free stratum is less dense than that of the savannah woodland but more substantial than the shrub savannah.

1.7.4   SOIL AND GEOLOGY

The geographical area is rocky. These rocky are igneous rock. The soil part of the region is good.

1.7.5   WIND

The two pronounced air masses experienced in study area in the north-east trade winds (tropical continental winds) from the Sahara desert in winter (September-April) which is moist. South west monsoon winds which blows from the Atlantic Ocean and brings rain with it.

1.7.6   HUMIDITY

Reference to Nasarawa, relative humidity is high compare to what is experienced in most Northern States; this is because of effects of the altitude.

1.7.7   RAINFALL

Nasarawa state in general experience two season yearly. The wet and dry season which begins from April to October with the highest peaks in August/September. The study areas have an average rainfall of 1500mm.

1.7.8   DRAINAGE

The nature of drainage in the areas is influenced and shaped by the topography of the area. This is to say that the drainage allows the pattern of slope in the area.

1.7.9   TOPOGRAPHY

The topography of an area determines the characteristics, size and complexities of any settlement, the topography of Nasarawa can be described as being relatively flat at the Centre core of the village and surrounded by rocks.

CHALLENGES OF FLOODING IN PORT HARCOURT METROPOLIS AREA

CHALLENGES OF FLOODING IN PORT HARCOURT METROPOLIS AREA

ABSTRACT

Floods are water induced disaster that leads to temporary overflow of dry land and causes serious damages on lives, property, and infrastructures. However, flood hazard has cause a lot of worry in the country, causing the death of people, collapse of building, destruction of properties, agricultural produce, lost of land and increase government expenditure. The study discussed through evaluating the effect of flood on residential building, and samples were drawn to this effect, using descriptive sampling method, were a total number of 50 questionnaires were distributed with 40 retrieved from the respondents. Data collected from primary source consisting of a well structure questionnaire and conducting oral interview, while secondary data was obtained through literatures, text books, professional journal, reports and internet. The data was analyzed using significant index (S.I), relative important index (RII), percentage score, mean score, and standard deviation, in order to rank the factors causing flooding on residential building according to the degree  of significant as assessed by the respondents. The result obtained from ranking the factors reveals the first highest ranked three   major causes of flooding on residential building to poor drainage having RII of 4.70, second is heavy rainfall with RII of 4.60 and third is improper waste disposal with RII of 4.40. The study also ranked the possible ways flooding on residential building can be mitigated; the result reveals proper dumping of refuse with RII of 4.60, awareness of the public on the need to adhere environmental rules with RII of 4.45, empowerment of NEMA/SEMA to monitor residential building construction with RII of 4.43, implementation of government policies on flood with RII of 4.40 and town/city planners sanitization should be carried out with RII of 4.33 as the first five ways flooding on residential building can be mitigated. The statistical package for social scientist (SPSS) v19 was also used to analyze the variables using paired t-test and linear regression of 5% confidence limit. From the analyses, the findings shows property destroyed by the flood is worth more than 9 million naira. The study therefore recommends the government to take strategic approaches in mitigating flooding on residential building.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1       Background Of The Study

Throughout history, water supply has been among the decisive factors in the search for adequate settlement locations. This has made river banks, coastal areas and lakesides to become preferred living spaces (WMO/GWP, 2008). Most cities, including Port-Harcourt are located in the valleys and flood plains or on coasts owing to their additional location advantages which favour development. Flood plains in the lower reaches of rivers provide fertile and flat land for productive agriculture. Moreover, estuaries and other coastal areas are more favoured as settlement locations since they may serve as linkages between river and sea navigation (WMO/GWP, 2008). However, one of the costs of such favourable locations is an increased flood risk. Irrespective of this, people continue to live in these areas.

A flood is the accumulation of too much water which rises to overflow land which is not normally submerged (Mukhopadhyay, 2010). Flooding can comprise overflow of a river as a result of prolonged seasonal rainfall, rainstorm, snowmelt, dam-breaks, accumulation of rainwater in low-lying areas with a high water table, or inadequate storm drainage. Floods could also be caused by intrusion of sea water onto coast lands during cyclonic/tidal surges (Handmer, Penning-Rowsell and Tapsell, 1999; Stoltman, Lidstone and DeChano, 2004). Floods have been noted to cause about one third of all deaths, one third of all injuries and one third of all damage from natural disasters (Askew, 1999). Flooding in various parts of Nigeria have forced thousands of people away from their homes, destroyed businesses, polluted water resources and increased the risk of diseases (Jeb and Aggarwal, 2008; Etuonovbe, 2011; Olorunfemi, 2011).

The occurrence of floods in Nigeria is not a recent phenomenon (Ayoade, 1979; Ayoade and Akintola, 1980; Olaniran, 1983; Ologunorisa and Terso, 2006; Adeloye and Rustum, 2011). The recent occurrences of flooding in Nigeria such as Sokoto flood in 2010, Ibadan flood in 2011, Lagos flood in 2011, and most parts of the country in 2012 had shown that flooding is one of the major environmental problems faced in Nigeria. Floods in Nigeria occur in three main forms, viz; coastal flooding, river flooding and urban flooding (Oriola, 1994; Okoduwa, 1999; Folorunsho and Awosika 2001; Ologunorisa, 2004; Orok, 2011). A review of these forms of floods have shown that, no single factor can be singled out as the only factor responsible for each flood type, though, a factor (e.g. rainfall) can cause all flood types. It has increasingly been acknowledged that the Niger Delta region in Nigeria experiences perennial floods owing to its location, low-lying topography and heavy rainfall, and Port Harcourt (located in the Niger Delta region) is one of such areas considered to be vulnerable to flooding. Some research works that examined the causal factors of flooding in Nigeria have attributed it to topography, soil/vegetation/river alteration, increased heavy rainfall, uncontrolled waste dumping, land use change and unplanned urbanisation (Oriola, 1994; Onokerhoraye, 1995; Parker, 1999; Folorunsho and Awosika 2001; Ologunorisa, 2004; Ogba and Utang, 2008; Adeloye and Rustum, 2011).

Flooding incidents have claimed many lives, rendered many others homeless and disrupted a wide range of environmental factors and socio-economic activities related to agriculture, vegetation and sustenance of human and wild life (Jeyaseelan, 1999).  Flood disaster is not a recent phenomenon in the country, and its destructive tendencies are sometimes enormous. The coastal cities of Lagos, Port Harcourt, Calabar, Uyo, Warri among others have severally experienced incidences that have claimed many lives and properties worth millions of dollar.  Floods occur in Nigeria in three main forms: coastal flooding, river flooding and urban flooding (Folorunsho & Awosika, 2001). Coastal flooding occurs in the low-lying belt of mangrove and fresh water swamps along the coast (Folorunsho & Awosika, 2001). River flooding occurs in the flood plains of the larger rivers, while sudden, short-lived flash floods are associated with rivers in the inland areas where sudden heavy rains can change them into destructive torrents within a short period (Folorunsho & Awosika, 2001). Urban flooding on the other hand occurs in towns, on flat or low-lying terrain especially where little or no provision has been made for surface drainage, or where existing drainage has been blocked with municipal waste, refuses and eroded soil sediments (Folorunsho & Awosika, 2001). Flood is very difficult to deal with; its devastating effects on buildings can be categorized into three: structural, economic, and health related effects. Disasters Management Centre, college of Engineering, University of Wisconsin – Madison (1995) identified the following structural effects of flood on buildings:

1. Buildings washed away due to the impact of the water under high stream velocity. Such buildings are usually destroyed or dislocated beyond feasible reconstruction
2. Floatation of buildings caused by rising water. This occurs when light–weight houses are not securely anchored or braced.
3. Damage caused by inundation of buildings: A building may remain intact and stable on its foundation, while its material is gradually and severely damaged.
4. Undercutting of building: here the velocity of flood may scour and erode the building’s foundation or the earth under the foundation. This may result in total collapse of affected buildings.
5. Damage caused by debris: massive floating objects like trees and materials from other collapsed house may have impact significant enough to cause damage to the standing buildings.
6. Flood leads to the exposure of some parts of the buildings foundation and soaking up of base blocks. The weakening of the base blocks by the flood may result to collapse
7. When the building foundation is not well rammed i.e. well compacted, excessive flood will lead to softening of the foundation base.

In recent times, floods have destroyed property worth millions of naira in the different areas of Nigeria. Flooding in urban areas is seriously becoming an ecological menace in Nigeria as several coastal areas along the Atlantic ocean, surrounding cities and river valleys are affected by flooding on a yearly basis (Jeb & Aggarwal, 2008) Floods have caused land degradation in some other parts of the country (Abbas, 2008). The obvious reason for flooding especially in municipalities and coastal areas in Nigeria like Porthacourt lies in the wide distribution of low-lying coastal areas and river floodplains, and because these areas have fast become an long standing attractions for human settlement (Ologunorisa & Abawua, 2005). It is against this background that this study seek to examine the challenges of flooding in Portharcourt metropolis area with the view of developing measures that will help government and relief agencies in identification of flood prone areas and in planning against flooding events in the future.

1.2       STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The challenges and evaluation of floods will need knowledge of flood risk areas in order to develop prevention as well as mitigation measures in stopping it. Flood hazard has cause a lot of worry in the country, causing the death of people, collapse of buildings, destruction of properties and agricultural produce. So it is essential to define the actual causes of flood in order to minimize and avoid the occurrence of such hazard in the future.

Flooding is experienced in most homes during the rainy season, On a typical flooded day in the city, roads are rendered  impassable to both human and vehicular traffic, properties are damaged as a result of loss of value, and occupants are forced to vacate their homes and occasionally lives are made difficult for some times as a result of the economic effects of the loss, (Nasiri et al.; 2016). Furthermore, the effect of flood on the residents of the city of Port Harcourt especially property owners is such that many lives are lost and property worth millions damaged (Oku et al.; 2011). According to (Elenwo, 2015), the losses recorded as a result of flooding in the city are enormous; the destructions are complete or partial impairment of values on properties, goods and services. Flooding in the Metropolis was exacerbated by erection of illegal structures or buildings on water channels and the impacts on the environment especially on developed property values was the focus of this study. The following research questions were generated and answered in the study.

1. What are the frequency and duration of flooding in Port Harcourt Metropolis?
2. What types of drainage systems are available in Port Harcourt Metropolis?
3. What are the conditions of the drainages in Port Harcourt Metropolis?
4. What are the rent charges on developed property affected by flooding in the Metropolis?
5. What are the structural/erosional damage arising from the flooding and flood depth?
6. To what extent do frequency of flooding influence the value of developed properties in the Metropolis?
7. To what extent did drainage conditions, location of houses and rainfall intensities affect flood frequency?

 1.3      AIM AND OBJECTIVES

1.3.1    Aim:

The aim of this study is to examine the challenges of flooding in Port Harcourt metropolis area.

1.3.2    Objectives

The aim was achieved by the following identified objectives as follows to;

1.  Examine the frequency and duration of flooding in Port Harcourt Metropolis
2. Examine the availability of drainage in Port Harcourt Metropolis
3. Investigate the conditions of drainages in Port Harcourt Metropolis
4. Examine the rent charges on developed properties affected by flooding in the Metropolis
5. What are the structural/erosional damage arising from the flooding and flood depth?
6. Determine the relationship between frequency of flooding and the value of developed properties in the metropolis?
7. Determine the relationship between drainage conditions, location of houses and rainfall intensities

 1.4      Need For Study

Nigerian government established the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) through (Act 12 as amended by Act 50 of 1999), to manage and respond to disaster related activities in Nigeria such as flooding, accidents caused natural and man-made sources (Adeoye, 2009). NEMA is saddled with the responsibility of formulating policies, assessment of natural and man-made disasters, provision of mitigating measures for disaster related activities, coordinating plans and programmes for offering relief items to victims of such disasters. It is essential that assessment of floods will require knowledge of flood risk areas in order to develop prevention as well as mitigation measures in controlling flooding in the country. The Rivers State government established State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to also taken care of hazard area across the state.

1.5       Scope And Limitation Of The Study        

The scope of this research project is limited to challenges of flooding in Port Harcourt Metropolis Area. The research work would only be limited to data’s collected through questionnaire distributed to residents within Port metropolis.

1.6       Research Methodology

The research work is design base on relevant literature review carried out by academicians and professionals who have carried out series of researches on environmental disaster.

A convenient sampling method will be adopted; this is a sampling method according to (Teddlie & Yu, 2007) that involves choosing from a sample that is not only accessible, but respondent are willing to take part in the study.

Data for the research will be collected through a survey questionnaire administered to resident of Port Harcourt metropolis. Additional data will be gathered from SEMA and NEMA on the hazard caused by flooding in Port Harcourt metropolis, and all this will be analyzed using Relative Importance Index (RII).

 1.7      Background Of The Study Area

1.7.1 Location

Port Harcourt metropolis is located between Latitude 4045’N and Latitude 4055’N, and Longitude 6055’E and Longitude 7005’E. The city lies at the mouth of River Bonny in Rivers State. It is located at about 25km from the Atlantic Ocean and it is situated between the Dockyard creek/Bonny River and the Amadi creek. It lies at an average altitude of about 12m above mean sea level. Port Harcourt metropolis as our study area spans over two Local Government Areas (LGAs) viz; Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor (Fig. 1) and was further divided into 13 Zones (Fig. 2).

1.2.2 Climate

The study area lies within the Koppen Tropical Rainy Af climatic zone of the Koppen classification (Koppen, 1936). Here, the average temperature for every month is above 180C and there is adequate moisture in virtually all the months. Port Harcourt metropolis experiences two seasons viz; dry and rainy seasons. Temperatures over Port Harcourt metropolis are constantly high with a mean maximum of about 340C and a mean minimum of about 210C. The highest temperatures are recorded between the months of April and October.