EFFECT OF URBANIZATION ON THE LIVING CONDITION OF MPAPE RESIDENTS IN ABUJA – FCT

Abstract

Abstract Cities have experienced dramatic growth as a result of rapid urbanization globally. This study examined the effect of urbanization on the living conditions of Mpape residents in Abuja is the nation‟s capital. While cities in Nigeria as well as other parts of the world are becoming dominant as both centres of production and consumption, the rapid growth of Nigeria cities have seriously outstripped the capacity of most cities to provide and maintain adequate basic services to their residents as this increasing rate does not correspond with infrastructural provision and maintenance of existing infrastructure. This has necessitated undue pressure and challenges on the urban environment and residents' living conditions. The study adopted a survey research design and purposive sampling procedure to select informal from Mpape in Bwari Area Council. An in-depth interview was the instrument used for information gathering which was analyzed non-numerically using content analysis. Findings from this study show that housing and social infrastructure like road networks, and healthcare facilities among others are grossly inadequate and lacking while the available ones are in a deplorable and pathetic state due to urbanization. The study concluded that urbanization and population growth left uncontrolled and planned within urban areas like Abuja has a drastic effect on the environment and the living conditions of residents. The study recommended that the government both at the local and federal level should enforce proper planning and development control policy in the area and effectively implement infrastructural development to ameliorate the challenges confronting the area as a result of urbanization and population growth.