EXAMINING THE IMPACT OF INFORMAL ACTIVITIES ON URBAN ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE IN MINNA, NIGERIA
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Date
2020-06
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Department o Survey and Geo-Informatics, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, University of Ilorin, Nigeria.
Abstract
Major concern of urban decision makers is allocation of space for an informal sector economy, this
is because the effect of its activity on available infrastructure especially road network infrastructure.
The uncoordinated spread of informal activity in Minna has continued unabated, due to high
population of people trooping to Minna as a result of its closeness to the Federal Capital Territory
(FCT). This paper examined the effect of the informal activities on neighbourhood road network in
Minna, Niger State. Primary and secondary data were employed for the study, primary data were
generated from residents of the areas and operators of informal activities within the neighbourhood
selected, while the secondary data were sourced using the report from the Niger State Urban
Development Board. Systematic random sampling technique was used in the selection of 175
respondents and descriptive statistical method of analysis was employed. The Google-Earth map of
the area was digitalised using GIS method to determine the extent of encroachment on road setbacks
and right of way. The result shows that most of the structures along highway corridor have been
converted to commercial for informal activities use and the open spaces and vacant plots converted
also, for various informal activities, such as, viewing centres which occupies 9%, car wash centres
5%; automobile mechanic workshop 9%; motor-bicycle and tricycle mechanic workshop 7%; game
houses 6%. The study concluded that, the present pattern of development, especially along the major
road in selected areas have negated the basic principles of smart city on the integration and
communication route network within the city without optimising the efficiency of city operation and
infrastructure and other services. The study recommended the monitoring of informal activities so as
to reduce the rate of nuisance and decay development caused by informal activities.
Description
Great
Keywords
nformal Activities, Infrastructure, Neighborhood, Route Network, Smart City