IMPACT OF FLOODING ON URBAN HOUSING: A FOCUS ON ALA RIVER IN AKURE, NIGERIA.

Abstract

Urban flooding has been a major problem in urban centres in Nigeria and in most cities of the world. This study focuses on the impact of flooding on urbanhousingin Akure, the capital of Ondo State, Nigeria with particular reference to Ala River and its tributaries. The aim of the study is to investigate the impact offlood on urban housing with the view to developing a framework for improving housing situation in Akure. The research examined a number of key variables ofthe urban housing, urbanization, incidence of flood, flood management and control. Due to the fact that the research is an investigative one, data were collected from both primary and secondary sources. The primary data obtained throughfield investigation. Five cases of flooding incidence in the study area and flood in Rotterdam were investigated, collation of questionnaires, observations and personal interviews of the river valley inhabitants and other individuals across the residential district in the study area of Akure. The secondary data obtained from a review of relevant and related flood literature in libraries (Development Policy Centre - DPC; Ibadan, FUTA Library) local government data bank, Internet and relevant texts. In addition, a pictorial form of data was obtained to give near accurate three-dimensional figure of the flooded area of the town. Data obtained from the field were analysed using a series of statistical method. These statistical analyses ranged from the uni-variate analysis (single factor analysis) using descriptive summary measures, bi-variate analysis (involving chi-square test, correlation analysis and F-Test). Multivariate analysis, the use of multiple regressionanalysis was employed. Here, the relationships between many variables weredetermined. The study identified the fact that urban flood was caused by a multiplicity of factors; some of which are anthropogenic, meteorological and geomorphological in nature. The research highlighted the depth of the trauma on flood victims and dereliction of urban housing stock in the study area. This lead to shortage of housing as a problem which has become an enduring feature of the urbanization process and that the supply of housing stock is determined by unrealistic standards which are founded on middle class or western values. The research findings point at the gap between housing needs and expected supply of and demand for space. The research therefore recommends some structural and non-structural strategies for mitigating the effects of floods on the residents and urban infrastructure as a means of improving housing situatio in Akure.