Sustainability and City Development
SUSTAINABILITY AND CITY DEVELOPMENT
A critique of the Implementation of the Abuja master plan
By
DANMOLE, Taibat OLAITAN M.Sc; RTP
Department of Urban and Regional Planning,
University of Lagos, Akoka-Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
(Being paper presented for publication by Environmental Conservation Research Team, FUT- Akure - Sept 2004)
ABSTRACT
Rapid urban expansion without effective environmental consciousness means that in virtually every urban center – from large cities and metropolitan areas to regional centers and small market towns – a substantial proportion of the population is at risk from natural and human-induced environmental hazards. A strategic approach is essential if urban areas are to enjoy all the benefits which nature can bring. This paper evaluates the concepts of the integrated city and sustainable development. It goes further to assess the general environment of the Federal Capital City, Abuja and the effects of urban growth and development on the cityscape. The environmental consequences of socioeconomic and other activities are evaluated in a bid to determine how sustainable Abuja’s urbanization is. The study reveals that the city is growing faster than the provisions of its master plan. It is fast turning into an environmental embarrassment, with developments springing up in gross violation of zoning and other planning codes. Abuja, which was supposed to be an epitome of beauty and an enlightened vision of city development, has suffered over the years from unnecessary distortions in the implementation of its master plan. The paper concludes by suggesting pragmatic strategies for achieving an integrated and ecologically balanced environment - a Sustainable Abuja City.
INTRODUCTION
Growth and development in Nigerian urban areas have been generally unplanned and haphazard. The failure of government to provide basic infrastructure, to plan for imminent growth and expansion, to
A critique of the Implementation of the Abuja master plan
By
DANMOLE, Taibat OLAITAN M.Sc; RTP
Department of Urban and Regional Planning,
University of Lagos, Akoka-Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
(Being paper presented for publication by Environmental Conservation Research Team, FUT- Akure - Sept 2004)
ABSTRACT
Rapid urban expansion without effective environmental consciousness means that in virtually every urban center – from large cities and metropolitan areas to regional centers and small market towns – a substantial proportion of the population is at risk from natural and human-induced environmental hazards. A strategic approach is essential if urban areas are to enjoy all the benefits which nature can bring. This paper evaluates the concepts of the integrated city and sustainable development. It goes further to assess the general environment of the Federal Capital City, Abuja and the effects of urban growth and development on the cityscape. The environmental consequences of socioeconomic and other activities are evaluated in a bid to determine how sustainable Abuja’s urbanization is. The study reveals that the city is growing faster than the provisions of its master plan. It is fast turning into an environmental embarrassment, with developments springing up in gross violation of zoning and other planning codes. Abuja, which was supposed to be an epitome of beauty and an enlightened vision of city development, has suffered over the years from unnecessary distortions in the implementation of its master plan. The paper concludes by suggesting pragmatic strategies for achieving an integrated and ecologically balanced environment - a Sustainable Abuja City.
INTRODUCTION
Growth and development in Nigerian urban areas have been generally unplanned and haphazard. The failure of government to provide basic infrastructure, to plan for imminent growth and expansion, to