Physical Condition Determinants of Quality of Life in Selected Communities in Yenagoa City, Nigeria

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume IV, Issue V, May 2020 | ISSN 2454–6186

Physical Condition Determinants of Quality of Life in Selected Communities in Yenagoa City, Nigeria

Eyenghe, Tari¹, Samuel Dagogo^2
1&2Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Abstract: – Spatial and population growth of urban areas impact on physical conditions of urban communities and affects Quality of Life (QOL). The study aimed to assess physical condition determinants of QOL in selected communities in Yenagoa City, Nigeria. Specific objectives of the study are to identify and determine physical condition indicators of QOL in communities in the study area; assess the effects of physical condition indicators of QOL in communities in the study area; and provide physical planning framework to enhance physical condition of QOL in communities in the study area. The study employed a Mixed Methods Research (MMR) methodology adopting concurrent triangulation research design. The study identified 29 communities in the study area and 20% representing 6 communities specifically; Famgbe, Yenagoa, Ovom, Yenizue-Gene, Yenegwe and Igbogene communities were randomly selected for the study. A total of 399 respondents were selected for interview using stratified sampling technique and key informant approach was employed to obtain quantitative and qualitative data subjectively and objectively. The study revealed that buildings in the study area are mostly rooming housing and block of flats and these buildings are mostly permanent structures. Occupants are mostly renters and having between 2-3 and 4-6 households occupying a building with an average of 4-6 persons per households occupying between 1room and 2-3rooms reflecting overcrowding and high densification. Buildings lack water supply and irregular public power supply, communities are unplanned lacking access roads and non-functional drainages. Some of households domestic wastes and sewage disposal methods are unstainable and environmentally unfriendly which made rating of physical neighbourhood conditions by residents to be mixed in feelings as good and bad. These conditions have impacted positively and negatively on QOL of communities in the study area. The study recommended a review and implementation of Yenagoa Master Plan of 2004 to achieve sustainable urban planning and development in communities of the study area; BSPPDB and other government agencies should strictly enforce urban planning policies, regulations and standards to enhance physical conditions of communities to improve QOL through building and housing codes and public health and environmental edicts of the city; urban sprawl and leapfrog development should be curtailed with sustainable and efficient physical planning and development control measures to prevent squatter and slum formation; carryout urban renewal schemes in communities to enhance physical conditions of communities by providing and upgrading existing infrastructure and services to improve QOL in communities in Yenagoa City.

Keywords: Urban Growth and Population, Physical Condition Determinants, Quality of Life & Urban Planning

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