ASSESSMENT OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN URBAN BLIGHT AND HOUSING QUALITY IN SELECTED AREAS OF MINNA

ABSTRACT

The study assessed the relationship between urban blight and housing quality in selected areas of Minna, Niger State. The specific objectives of the study include examination of housing condition in the study area, the causes of urban blight on one hand and its relationship with housing quality in Minna on the other. The study employed both primary and secondary data with the aid of questionnaires. A total of 399 households were systematically selected across five communities in the study area based on the proportion of the estimated household population. The data collected were subjected to analysis using descriptive statistics, frequencies, percentages and regression analysis was employed to test the relationship between the dependent variable (housing quality) and the independent variable (blight). The result revealed that high incidences of rural-urban and urban-urban migration, poverty, lack of maintenance and poor enforcement of planning laws are the most significant factors responsible for the emergence of urban blight and poor housing quality in the study area. The results on high incidences of rural or urban– urban migration was (MS =3.86) while lack of maintenance/inadequate infrastructure was (MS =3.86) in the analysis. Eviction and poor resettlement programme by the government (Ms = 3.55) was considered to be the least important cause of urban blight. Building structure, building components, aesthetics, accessibility, open space, material used, toilet, kitchen, and bathroom were used as predictors (independent variables). The result showed that much of the variance in the dependent variable is explained by the regression model with Multiple R = 0.620, Adjusted R Square = 0.400 and the R Square value of 0.445. This implies that the regression model used explains about 44.5% of the variance in housing quality. The result (F=82.61 P=0.00) also implies that the relationship between urban blight and housing quality is statistically significant at P<0.05. The research recommends maintenance and provision or improvement of infrastructural facilities, implementation and enforcement of planning laws so as to guide development and also improve the quality of housing in order to reduce urban blight.

CHAPTER ONE

1.0    INTRODUCTION

1.1       Background to the Study

Urban growth is one of the processes of urban development (Bhatta, 2009). The most striking feature of rapid urban growth process on the global scale is the increasing agglomeration of world population. While in the past, urban areas have been and still are places of opportunities today, they are described as hotspots of crime and numerous challenges (Wamsler and Brink, 2014). The urban environment is highly complex in terms of growth and development (Bolay, 2006). In the developing world, there is a high rate of migration to urban areas. Couch (1990), notes that the high rate of urbanization due to ever-growing population exerts powerful forces on urban residential areas, making them undergo internal spatial restructuring in response to social, environmental and economic pressure.  The United Nations (2006), estimated that the population living in urban areas exceeded 50% of the world total in 2006 and will approach 60% in 2020. Most if not all of this growth is taking place in the developing countries (Saeed, 2011).

The built environment in many developing countries and Africa, particularly Nigeria is fast degenerating. The factors responsible for this can be attributed to rapid urbanization, rural-urban migration, and decades of steady economic downturn, decay of urban infrastructure and poor housing quality (World Bank, 2005).   Osuide and Dimuna (2005), noted that the urbanization process in many developing countries including Nigeria, has not been accompanied with a corresponding supply of adequate houses, basic amenities and infrastructures. Urban residents suffer to a great extent from severe environmental and health challenges associated with insufficient access to clean water, inadequate sewage facilities and solid waste disposal (United Nations, 2013).

The Nigerian society is undergoing both demographic transition (people are living longer) and epidemiological transition (change in population health due to changes in lifestyle) mainly as a result of urbanization (Alhaji and Lawal, 2017). The country is undergoing rapid urbanization with a rapidly growing population. With an average annual growth rate of about 2.8%–3.0%, urban population is expected to double in the next two decades (Alhaji and Lawal, 2017). The problems and challenges posed by rapid urban growth in Nigeria are immense such as housing shortage, unemployment, poverty and emergence of slum and informal housing development (Onyike, 2007). More easily observable and perhaps very frightening are the general human and environmental poverty, the declining quality of life and the underutilized as well as the untapped wealth of human resources (Aguda and Adegboyega, 2013).

The problem of population growth has created severe housing problems, resulting in overcrowding, inadequate dwellings and a situation in which many Nigerians can be said to be living in slum and blighted areas (FGN, 2012). The scenario is perceived manifesting in the densely populated areas of Nigeria. Social decay is manifested in the form of crime where people are mostly unemployed due to industry decline which is caused by both external and internal factors with the external factors including competition, new technologies and physical advantages and the internal factors include resource depletion, mechanization, environmental degradation and civil unrest (Oluwasola, 2014).

According to Oluwasola (2014), urban blight is social depreciation of real property beyond which its existing condition or use is unacceptable to the community. From this context urban decay can be defined in relation to the community’s acceptable standards. The minimum acceptable standards in the community depend on the social values of the community and may vary greatly due to differences in the cultural orientation, history and most significantly, the income of the

communities. Consequently, the functional depreciation of properties and neighborhood lot cannot be measured and compared across different communities with different cultural values and housing stocks. Built-up structures degenerate in quality with age and obsolescence, the high rate of neglect and consequent deterioration of housing have made urban blight a common feature in many cities of Nigeria. However, if good quality housing implies its possession of good attributes, then the reality of housing situation in Nigeria is below ideal (Adeleye et al., 2014).

In the light of the afore-mentioned and the fact that low quality housing and blighted environments are inimical to the general wellbeing, quality of life of people, there is therefore, the need to assess urban blight and its relationship to housing quality. The ambiguity therefore gives the concept the flexibility to apply to local circumstances and interests, while conveying an almost universally understood sense of urgency as far as blight is concerned.

Urban blight issues need to be addressed in Minna because housing represents one of the most basic human needs. As a unit of environment, it has a profound influence on the health, efficiency, social behavior, satisfaction and general welfare of the community (Owei, 2016). To most groups, housing means shelter but to others, it means more as it serves as one of the best indicators of a person’s standard of living and his or her place in the society (Nubi, 2008). It is a priority for the attainment of living standard and it is important in both rural and urban areas. These attributes make demand for housing to know no bounds as population grows and as urbanization increases rapidly, the gap between housing need and supply becomes widened. This increasing concern underscores the need to establish the relationship between urban blight and housing quality in neighborhoods of Minna.

1.2       Statement of the Research Problem

The problems and challenges posed by rapid urban growth in Nigeria are immense such as housing shortage, unemployment, poverty and emergence of slum and informal housing development.

The study of Maghelal et al. (2014) focused on the key indicators of urban blight that influences the sustainability and long term viability of neighborhoods and communities. Other studies by Erwin and Joseph (2017), researched on urban blight and public health, addressing the impact of urban blight on public health. There has been little or no attempt on the relationship between urban blight with the quality of housing and also to analyze urban blight considering the physical, social conditions as well as the economic conditions of residents as a whole. Some of the studies have been anchored on analysis of either the socio-economic data and urban blight indicators, the impact of urban blight on health alone or only the impact of urban blight on the physical condition of the environment.

This research will employ physical, economic as well as the social parameters to analyze the relationship between urban blight and housing quality in Minna. The study will provide additional and valuable information to urban planners, managers, policy makers at both local and national level and other researchers since presently there is insufficient knowledge on the relationship between urban blight and the quality housing.

The current situation in the selected areas of Minna indicates a harmful residential environment with dilapidated physical structures coupled with a poor maintenance and management of existing infrastructures. The city is characterized by uncollected solid waste, derelict land and run-down infrastructure services coupled with insecurity and social abnormalities.

1.3       Research Questions

1.   What are the housing types and conditions of the study area?

2.   What are the causes of urban blight in the study area?

3.   What are the effects of urban blight on the quality of housing in Minna?

4.   Is there a relationship between urban blight and housing quality in Minna?

1.4       Aim and Objectives of the Study

The aim of this study is to assess the relationship between urban blight and housing quality in Minna, Niger State with a view to evolving a sustainable urban management framework in the study area.

The objectives of the study are to:

i.      Examine housing conditions of the study area.

ii.      Determine the causes of urban blight in Minna.

iii.     Examine the effects of urban blight on the quality of housing.

iv.      Determine the relationship between urban blight and housing quality in Minna.

1.5      Justification for the Study

This study provides the assessment of the possible negative changes which do occur in urban housing and residential areas which further necessitates pragmatic approaches and efforts aimed at tackling the negative impacts and unwholesome implications of urban blight. The study will not only focus on environmental concerns caused by urban blight, but the implications on housing quality in Minna.

The study of urban blight and housing quality in Minna will be useful in the development and formulation of broad-based policy that will guide the eradication of similar problems even in other residential neighbourhoods especially in low income and old residential areas. There is a very high rate of urbanization in Minna, where population in Minna town is growing rapidly. This calls for proper utilization of land to accommodate the increasing population. Urban decay in developing countries is characterized by poor utilization of land and other resources, urban sprawl, poor housing conditions, crime and insecurity, environmental degradation, infrastructure decay and so on.

This study is central to the decision makers in the formulation of policy regarding urban planning and management. The ideological and practical discussion on urban blight and provision of strategies and policies to tackle the phenomenon will not remain at the ordinary conceptual and speculative realm. In recent years, understanding the dynamics of blight, quantifying them and subsequently predicting the same for a future scenario has gained significant importance (Torrens and Alberti, 2000).

The study is relevant to physical planners in understanding the existing physical development and characteristics of an area in order to make informed decision to proffer possible solution to problems associated with urbanization. It contributes to the existing literature on the subject matter by examining the trend of urbanization, assist the governments to be abreast with the critical condition of the people in urban areas and make adequate provision so as to improve their standard of living. A research in the area is therefore important to urban planners in that it examines urban decay vices and problems as they relate to the quality of housing that will motivate solutions from different actors such as the Government, Local Community, Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development and related agencies at state and federal levels.

1.6     Scope of the Study

The study was conducted in some selected neighborhoods in Minna such as, Limawa, Kpakungu, Sabon gari, Maitumbi and Anguwan daji. The study examined physical environmental and housing conditions of the areas using indicators of urban blight. The study also identified the causes of urban blight and examined its effects on housing quality in these areas. Information was collected on all the stated aspects both at the household and community levels. The study further covered administrative and policy aspects with respect to the respective institutions in Minna. It focused on obsolete residential buildings, dilapidated structures, available infrastructures, old buildings that are uncompleted as well as owner occupied and rented houses considering their types and conditions.

1.7       Study Area

1.7.1    Historical background of the study area

Minna came into limelight due to farming in the mid-19th century because the land is good for agricultural activities. Minna is the administrative capital of Niger State, from an initial small Gbagyi village that grew steadily with the construction of railway line to Baro through Minna from Zungeru in 1911 and became the administrative headquarters of Niger State in 1976 (Niger State Bureau of Statistics, 2012).

Minna is basically a Gbagyi town and got its name from a ritual performed yearly by the Gbagyi founders of the town to observe the beginning of the New Year. The word “Minna” in Gbagyi means to spread fire. It came into existence because the Gbagyi people used to put out every bit of fire in the town on the last day of every year so the fire can be re-ignited on new year day to commemorate the new year celebration (Niger State Bureau of Statistics, 2012).

The early settlers and founders of the town lived on top of the range of hills which line the eastern and northern side of the present Minna. However, before the town became the modern city that it is now, it went through four metamorphoses. The first was in 1905 when the construction work of the rail line got to the area. As there was no labour at that time, the construction workers were the Gbagyi, Nupe and Hausa people. The various groups were accommodated in different camps to ensure easy access and to prevent desertion. The Gbagyi people’s camp was situated in the areas of the present Keterengwari, while the Nupe people had their camp at the present Kwangila and the Hausa people at Kasuwa Zamarma or Limawa (Niger State Bureau of Statistics, 2012).

In 1908, the second face lift for the town took place when an “Alkali” (Judge) was provided for the camps. A permanent house for the judge was built and the first contigent of police was introduced. The third metamorphoses was in 1910 when the Gbagyi inhabitants decided to move from the hill top to settle down on the areas of the present Paida, one of the wards of Minna and thus the abode of the founders of the town. As a result of the opening of the Kano-Baro railway in 1911 and the extension of the Lagos-Jebba line in 1915 to a junction in Minna, the town became a major collecting point for agricultural products including peanuts, cotton, yams, shea nuts, ginger and rice. Since becoming the capital of Niger State in 1976, Minna has developed as an administrative centre. It is home to the Federal University of Technology, public and private schools, several hospitals, an Emirate council and it is the home of Chanchaga Local Government Area of Niger State.

Due to the increasing population in Minna metropolis, the largest percentage of the land is used for residential houses, offices, schools and other institutions to accommodate the rising population. A high percentage of the land is also used for construction of township roads for ease of movement. These are processes of urbanization which are on the increase due to population pressure, and are exerting more pressure on the natural vegetation. Therefore, Minna town is a fast growing urban centre which accommodate all level of income earners; the high, low and medium income earners (Niger State Bureau of Statistics, 2012).

1.7.2    Geographical setting of the study area

Minna is the capital of Niger State. The study area lies on Latitude 9° 33¹ North, and Longitude 6° 29¹ East on a geological base of undifferentiated basement complex of mainly gneiss and magnetite. At the North – east corridor of the town lays a continuous steep outcrop of granite. In the present political zoning system, Minna is within the North Central Zone, and occupies an area of about 884 hectares and it is within Chanchaga Local Government Area. It is about 145 kilometres Southeastwards by road to Abuja, the Federal Capital of Nigeria. The locational map of Niger State and the township map of Minna which shows the major roads, railway, streams and structures are shown in Figures 1.1 and 1.2 respectively.

1.7.3    Location of the study area

Minna metropolis covers many wards, which are Bosso, Tunga, Chanchaga, Maikunkele, Saiko, Sauka-kahuta, Kongila, Ketern-Gwari, Dutsen-kura, and also the selected study areas which are Limawa, Kpakungu, Sabon gari, Maitumbi and Aguwan daji are located within Minna as shown in Figure 1.3. Minna metropolis is a growing regional capital of Niger State, with an estimated population of 307,414 (NPC, 2006).

1.7.4    Population of Minna

According to the National Population Census exercise conducted in 2006, the population of the study area is 26,340.  The projected population of for 2021 using a growth of 3.5% was estimated 42636. Though the area is mainly Gwari settlement, it has become heterogeneous in terms of people of various and diverse ethnic, religious and cultural backgrounds. These Nigerians with diverse origin include the Nupe, Hausa, Fulani, Edo, Yoruba, Igbo and Igala among others. Diversity of ethnic composition due to migration has impacted on housing type in the area; the area is densely populated due to the multi-ethnic nature of the inhabitants. The occupations of the inhabitants are mainly artisans, farmers, petty-traders, civil servants, retired civil servants etc. although the study area is situated in an agricultural belt, it should be noted that agricultural land use has tremendously reduced, because of urbanization and development which is due to population surge in the area, owing to the peaceful nature of the environment (Niger State Bureau of Statistics, 2012).

1.7.5    Land use characteristics of Minna

Minna could be described as a high-density residential area, which emanated as a result of multi- ethnic nature of the settlements in the town, the presence and the relocation of the central market, some government institutions and agencies along Minna-Bida road has increased the arrival of people. This has also given rise to buildings with no adequate set-back, grossly small green areas, and absence of drainage along the access roads, narrow and untarred roads. The houses are mostly roofed with corrugated zinc and the predominant commercial activity for the population is petty trading, mainly on the major road, commercial activities have increased recently and this has led to the presence of shops and super markets (Niger State Bureau of Statistics, 2012).

1.7.6    Climatic characteristics of Minna

Climate of Minna is influenced largely by two dominant air masses affecting the region. They are the dry and dusty tropical continental air masses and the warm moist tropical air masses. There is dynamism in the climatic condition, which determines the nature of rainfall regimes, the temperature and the wind. The climatic dictates of Minna are essentially from the south – west due to the rising elevation from the valley in the south – west. The high temperatures and the relative humidity in the Niger – Benue trough gives Minna a heating effect. The rainy season is usually from the month of April and averaging from the 11th to 21st and last between 190 to 200 days, and gradually ends in October. The town has a mean annual rainfall of 1334mm (52 inches). The highest mean monthly rainfall is September with almost 300mm (11.7 inches).

The highest temperature is between the month of March, April and May before the onset of the rainy season. During this period, the atmospheric temperature rises to 380c. The lowest temperature is recorded from the end of December to the period of February.  The rise in atmospheric temperature during the period can be linked to high amount of sunshine experienced. Temperature will be at increase and also the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere due to the effect of climate change (Niger State Bureau of Statistics, 2012).

1.7.7    Topography and drainage of Minna

Minna is hilly to the north and east, being steeply sloping rock outcrops form the principal physical constraint on the east side, a major drainage valley flows from the centre of the town south – west wards with many minor drainage channels feeding into it with storm water run-off from the hills to the east. In some places, this stream form large areas of flood land. There are large but isolated rock outcrops in this landscape and also some areas of scattered rock.

Before the devastating flood of September 1986 in Minna, there was poor drainage system. Most of the existing drainage networks prior to the floods of 1986 were either inadequate or nonfunctional. The construction of large multimillion naira modern drainage systems across Minna has reduced flooding to the bearest inimum (Niger State Bureau of Statistics, 2012).

1.7.8    Vegetation of Minna

The natural vegetation of Minna belongs to the Guinea Savanna vegetation. Tall grasses like elephant grass with scattered trees characterize this environment after several years of repeated cultivation and the impact of urbanization. Instead of tall grasses, we now have short grasses with many of the trees cut down as a result of urbanization and fuel wood demand. Vegetation in the study area has been greatly affected (Niger State Bureau of Statistics, 2012).

₦8,000.00 – DOWNLOAD FULL PROJECT DOWNLOAD FULL PROJECT Added to cart

---

---

---

---

Related Project Topics :