Effects of Population Pressure on Port Harcourt Neighbourhood Infrastructure and Facilitates

International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation (IJRSI) | Volume VII, Issue III, March 2020 | ISSN 2321–2705

Effects of Population Pressure on Port Harcourt Neighbourhood Infrastructure and Facilitates

Ubani Princewill^1*, Bumaa Felix Neeka², Daibi-Oruene, Waaka Divine^3
1Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Kenule Beeson Saro – Wiwa Polytechnic Bori, Nigeria
^{2, 3}Department of Architecture, Kenule Beeson Saro – Wiwa Polytechnic Bori, Nigeria
*Corresponding Author

Abstract: -Alongside the framework that neighbourhoods in south-south cities (SSC), comprising Port Harcourt, has existed without the increase and upgrading of the necessary infrastructural facilities; and that the inherent difficulties of inadequate, obsolete and dilapidated infrastructures are threatened by the pace of escalated population pressure. This research suggests that this challenge and undeniably neighbourhood infrastructural shortages can be tackle through urban renewal programs, neighbourhood improvement plans, and development of new layout and satellite towns together with adequate infrastructures. They constitute the gadgets through which the much desired neighbourhood infrastructures could be achieved for maintainable neighbourhood development. However, the article concentrated on effects of population pressure on Port Harcourt Neighbourhood infrastructures and facilitates, while the sampling of 390 residents unfolded the escalated effect and consequences of uncontrolled population pressure together with the dissimilarities across the facets of neighbourhood infrastructures. The findings from the analysis revealed that effects of population pressure on neighbourhood infrastructures (R2 = 0.978, effect at 0.01) explaining 97.8% (portable water, electricity, educational facilities, housing, transportation/pedestrian and waste disposal infrastructures). On determination of the population pressure dissimilarities, residential infrastructure claimed (25%), transportation infrastructure (20%), commercial (18%), industrial (15%), institutional (10%), agricultural (05%) and recreational facilities (07%).The research endorsed for a review of the initial neighbourhoods threshold population in Nigeria through the national population commission, to identify the number or figure of population in the increase and built more infrastructural facilities commensurate to the present population of the neighbourhoods under pressure and improve the existing condition of the same neighbourhoods through urban renewal projects or urban improvement plans.

Keywords: population, pressure, infrastructure, neighbourhood and Port Harcourt.

I.INTRODUCTION

Infrastructure stands as the critical and uncomplicated inevitabilities for every neighbourhood. It serves as the life wire that enhances the functionality, efficiency and aesthetics of any settlement, as well as the manifestation of physical development upon which man survive after putting food in his table. The physical shortage or deficit of neighbourhood infrastructure can severely disturb the residents’ life style, well-being and productivity.

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