SUSTAINABLE URBAN DEVELOPMENT AND LOCATION OF PETROLEUM STATIONS IN AKURE METROPOLIS, ONDO STATE NIGERIA

Abstract

Sustainable urban development and human activities should not be over-emphasized. Location of petrol stations is part of human activities taking place in our society. Therefore, this study assessed the level of conformity of petrol stations to the physical planning standards, examined the safety precautions put in place by the petrol stations location on the sustainable urban development in Akure metropolis of Ondo State. One hundred and seventy-five (175) copies of questionnaire were distributed while one hundred and forty-three (143) copies were retrieved for the analysis making a response rate of 81.7%. Descriptive and inferential statistics (frequency, mean, ANOVA) were employed for data analysis using statistical package for social science (SPSS) software version 23. Results of the analysis among others showed that petrol stations in Akure metropolis did not follow the plan for the state in accordance to the physical planning standard (1.02), petrol stations in Akure metropolis were not located based on Environmental Impact Assessment (1.37). Also, there is no mechanism to detect underground tank leakage (1.03), while the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) is significant at p=0.000; < 0.005 means the null hypothesis is rejected. The study concludes that if the stakeholders work together during establishment of petrol stations the sustainability of the environment will be achieved. The study recommends that petrol stations in Akure metropolis should be located based Environmental Impact Assessment Report before the establishment of petrol stations.