An Evaluation of Physical Planning Inputs in the Process of Resettling the Inhabitants of Flood Plain Areas of River Niger, Niger State
Abubakar, A.N.
Department of Urban and Regional Planning, School of Environmental Studies, Niger State Polytechnic, Zungeru, Nigeria
Suleiman, Y. M.
Laboratory of Remote Sensing and Meteorology, Department of Geography, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria
Keywords: Evaluation, Physical planning input, Criteria, Resettlement, Corrective measures.
Abstract
This study evaluates the physical planning input in the process of resettling the victims of the flood plain of River Niger and Kaduna, by the Niger state Government. Evaluation studies of resettlement programmes in African countries have tended to focus on socio-economic considerations and less on physical planning, knowledge of which is useful for promoting programme success. A number of criteria were adopted in the method of evaluation. These were the regional context of the resettlement site; conveniences and adequacy of the site for resettlement; nature of housing delivery for the resettles; and the production base of the new villages. The outcome of the evaluation of the inputs showed that some aspects have shown the potential to influence the success of the programme, such as the location and layout design and the inadequacy of land for residential and farm activities. The study made an attempt to suggest some physical planning corrective measures that will assist the success of the programme, which are captured in the concluding part of the report.