Assessing the Magnitude of Urban Infrastructure and Facilities Provision and Maintenance in Enugu, Nigerian

Abstract

The beauty of urban area stems from the availability and functionality of urban infrastructure and facilities. Governments often tend to establish her legitimacy by expending huge money on the provision and maintenance of basic infrastructure and facilities especially in urban areas. Studies have shown that the Nigerian population is 50% urban hence, her cities faces rapid urbanization with its associated problems which include pressure on available infrastructure and facilities. This paper aims at investigating the extent of urban infrastructure and facilities provision and maintenance in Enugu metropolis with a view to proffering sustainable measures that will enhance the area. The study revealed that while efforts have been made over the years towards providing and enhancing the functionality of urban infrastructure and facilities in the city and given a growth rate of 2.5% and the current urban population of about 927,642 residents, the available infrastructure and facilities in the city was adjudged not only so meager but also worrisome due to poor state of maintenance. The study therefore recommended for an articulated government action which would ensure that the urban infrastructure and facilities are maintained. Public participation and public partnership with the private sector, None Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Community Based Organizations (CBOs) among other sustainable measures for the provision and maintenance of urban infrastructure and facilities in the city, was advocated.

Key Words: Urban Infrastructure and Facilities, Magnitude of Provision and Maintenance, Enugu, Nigerian