SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION OF TELECOMMUNICATION MASTS AND THEIR EFFECTS IN KANO METROPOLIS, NIGERIA

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Date
2017-12
Authors
ISIAKA, Usman Abdulhameed
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Abstract
Everyday life is dependent on telecommunication and as population increases so the need to cover more area for effective coverage thus the need for more telecommunication infrastructure to take advantage of the benefit attached to it. The study examined the spatial distribution of telecommunication mast and its environmental effects. Both primary and secondary data were collected from Kano metropolis. The GPS receiver was used to collect the coordinates of the mast locations and analysed with the Nearest Neighbour Ratio (NNR) in ArcMap 10.2. A total of 82 masts were identified within the metropolis. A total 400 copies of questionnaire were administered purposively and 355 retrieved for analysis. Random (balloting) sampling was used to select a total of 14 masts (two in each of the LGA in the metropolis) among those that do not meet the minimum setback distance. Distances were marked at 5m, 10m, 15m and 20m away from the masts to capture the varying spread of effects from the respondents. Results shows that the masts are clustered with NNR of 0.612568, critical value of <-2.58 and test of significant of P-value of 0.000 and Z-score of -6.75250 which implies that there is less than 1% likelihood that the pattern is as a result of random chance. The degree of clustering was also measured using Gestis Ord General statistical tool and result shows that the degree of clustering is low. Result also shows that 46% of the masts are in compliance with NCC/NESREA regulation out of the 82 captured and 54% violated the regulatory setback. The data collected were tabulated and result shows that reported effect cases decreases as distances increases from the mast and even at 10m the effect are still high which implies that the regulatory setback may still need to be reviewed. The varying effects observed at distances away across the metropolis was subjected to correlation analysis and the result shows that there is a strong relationship between the location of telecommunication mast and their effects on the wellbeing of residents. The study recommends that there is need to review the regulatory setback distance and service provider should embrace co-location to avoid clustering. Also, there is the need for public awareness and sensitization on the dangers of residing close to a mast and further research should be carried out to unveil other factors affecting the residents close to mast location.
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A THESIS SUBMITTED TO THE SCHOOL OF POSTGRADATE STUDIES, AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT FOR THE AWARD OF MASTER IN GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION SYSTEM AND REMOTE SENSING DEPARTMENT OF GEOGRAPHY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT FACULTY OF PHYSICAL SCIENCES AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY, ZARIA
Keywords
SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION,, TELECOMMUNICATION MASTS,, EFFECTS,, KANO METROPOLIS,, NIGERIA
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