AN IMPROVEMENT SCHEME FOR BIDA WALLED CITY AND A DESIGN PROPOSAL FOR BANGBARA WARD
AN IMPROVEMENT SCHEME FOR BIDA WALLED CITY AND A DESIGN PROPOSAL FOR BANGBARA WARD
No Thumbnail Available
Date
1990-04
Authors
BABA, BUSSU BABA
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
Urbanisation as a process of human agglomeration in multi
f u n c t i o n a l settlements of r e l a t i v e l y s u b s t a n t i a l size is not
a new phenomenon in Nigeria. For some p a r t s of the country
i t can be traced to as f a r back as the l a s t millennium. What
i s new, however, is the growing f a i l u r e of these centres to
f u l f i l much of the expectations both of those who l i v e in them
and those who have to depend on them f o r s e r v i c e s . However,
within the context of t h i s research, emphasis w i l l be on the
physical environmental conditions others not withstanding.
The Nigerian Urban areas are c h a r a c t e r i s e d by d i l a p i d a t ed
physical s t r u c t u r e s and degenerated environmental q u a l i t y . The
growing environmental deterioration, more apparent now than
before, in these c i t i e s and 3ida i n p a r t i c u l a r j u s t i f y an urgent
need f o r a c t i o n - o r i e n t e d e f f o r t s aimed at advocating and inducing
the acceptance of appropriate and workable planning solutions
of u r b a n i s a t i o n and the dis-function of physical planning i t s e l f,
however, a thorough understanding of the s o c i o - c u l t u r a l , econo
mic, p o l i t i c a l , technical and g e o p o l i t i c a l f a c t o r s that should
condition planning f o r development is imperative.
In l i g h t of new s o c i a l , p o l i t i c a l , economic and technology
i c a l changes, there is need to incorporate some new ideas in
order to improve the conditions in the indigenous c i t i e s.
Therefore, the major problem confronting planners is how to
incorporate the modern aspect of physical planning i n t o the
t r a d i t i o n a l way of l i f e with minimal but appropriate change in
i t s d i s t i n c t i v e landscape. The choice of the r i g h t s t r a t e g y for
d e a l i n g with the problems of indigenous c i t i e s also aroused
This is because most of the s t r a t e g i e s adapted to solve the
problems of w e s t e r n I n d u s t r i a l i z e d c i t i e s might not be relevant.
vi
Therefore, there is a need to evolve strategies to solve the
problems of traditional cities. Which ever strategy is adopted
must not be in conflict with the existing culture and tradition
of the people as well as their financial resources and local
materials.
Bida walled city as an ecological unit; grows and in the
process, parts become aged (due to old age, misuse or lack of
care) and without regenerative actions, such parts decay and
fall into dis-use. Furthermore, as a reult of poor sanitation,
environmental neglect, lack of adherence to basic hygiene codes,
and abject poverty, the environment is entirely unhealthy, filthy,
crowded, and highly susceptible to any epidemics.
The research stressed that physical planning solutions to
the walled city's problems would require greater governmental
activity. The most pressing needs of mo3t residential areas
are however, more and bettor designed access ways, roadside
drainage facilities, more public water standpipes with bettor
service, good sanitary facilities, well organized refuse collection
point, and so forth. The willingness of the government to
undertake these activities appears the most basic issue.
The situation in the city therefore, do not justify the
strategy of redevelopment. However, the policy of rehabilitation
and preservation strategies proposed would achieve much
success if implemented through an on-going institutional set-up
that encompasses technical experts, social workers and neighborhood
leaders, all cooperatively working with a well informed
public.
Based on the main proposals presented, a design proposal
depicting spatial arrangement of the major proposals has been
considered in a selected ward. Administrative framework for
the effective implementation of the proposals has also been
taken into account.
Description
A thesis submitted to the Post-Graduate School,
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria in partial
fulfillment of the requirements for the award of Master
of Science Degree in Urban and Regional Planning.
Department of Urban and Regional Planning,
Faculty of Environmental Design,
Ahmadu Bello University,
Zaria - Nigeria.
April, 1990
Keywords
IMPROVEMENT, SCHEME,, BIDA WALLED CITY,, DESIGN,, PROPOSAL,, BANGBARA, WARD