AN IMPROVEMENT SCHEME FOR BIDA WALLED CITY AND A DESIGN PROPOSAL FOR BANGBARA WARD

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Date
1990-04
Authors
BABA, BUSSU BABA
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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
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