Structure Plan For Awka and Satellite Towns
Structure Plan For Awka and Satellite Towns
Structure Plan For Awka and Satellite Towns
Anambra State
STRUCTURE PLAN FOR AWKA
AND SATELLITE TOWNS
Anambra State
1
Structure Plan for Awka and Satellite Towns
HS/1152/09E
ISBN: 978-92-1-132118-0
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acknowledgements
2
foreword
I t is now widely
acknowledged
and accepted that
cities and urban areas
are engines of economic
It is to reverse and stem this development trend
and to realize the developmental potentials of well-
planned and managed cities, towns and villages, that
my Government approached the United Nations
Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT) in
development and growth. Nairobi, Kenya and sought its technical assistance and
Cities drive the national cooperation to develop and prepare urban structure
economy, contributing plans for Awka Capital Territory, Nnewi and Onitsha,
a substantial proportion for a start, to promote orderly, healthy and productive
to the gross domestic development of these major cities.
product (GDP). Cities
attract investments and This Report is an outcome of this cooperative effort.
create wealth, enhance My Government believes that if the land use proposals
social development, and policy and legislative reforms contained in these
human and technical reports are effectively implemented, Anambra State will
resources and are repositories of knowledge and agents realize sustainable development of these cities and their
of socio-political change. contributions to economic and social development. It is
the intention of my Government therefore to regenerate
Cities and urban areas, as potent instruments for and revitalize these cities and in the case of Onitsha,
economic growth and development, are however to prepare and position it into becoming the leading
predicated on their being properly planned, administered Mega-City East of the Niger.
and managed.
Effective implementation of these recommendations
Upon my assumption of office as the Governor of and realization of the development potentials requires,
Anambra State, I discovered to my astonishment that apart from the envisaged massive public investments
there was no Structure Plan for any of our cities in in infrastructure, the support, coordination and
Anambra State, including Awka the State Capital. A integration of the activities of all stakeholders, including
closer look at our major cities of Awka, Onitsha, and all State Government Ministries and Agencies, Local
Nnewi revealed that these cities are inadequately planned Governments, Donor agencies, Communities, Town
and managed. They are currently largely characterized Union Groups and their leaders, business people,
by outdated physical layouts or no planned layout at traders, land developers, professionals, organizations
all, poor drainage structures and inadequate sanitation, and trade union associations and indeed all people
uncontrolled street trading, mounds of solid waste or resident in Anambra State. The required support and
3 3
It is of course recognized that no plan is perfect or
valid for all times. These plans are therefore subject to
periodic revisions and updating. The preparation and
adoption of these plans for implementation constitute
a major start – perhaps an overdue start for cities and
towns in Anambra State.
I wish to take the opportunity to express my
Government’s gratitude to the UN-HABITAT and
the Executive Director, Dr. Anna K. Tibaijuka, for the
technical assistance extended to the State, without this
the production of these Structure Plans would have been
impossible. It is our hope that this is but the beginning
of continued cooperation between the Anambra State
Government and UN-HABITAT.
I wish to appreciate Dr Alioune Badiane, Director,
ROAAS, for his leadership and the contributions of
Professor J. B. Falade, Habitat Programme Manager
for Nigeria and all consultants and technical experts
who made tangible contributions to bringing about
this outcome. A better developed Anambra Cities and
towns will be a worthy and deserving tribute to their
dedicated efforts.
Lastly, I make bold to commend the all the
recommendations and land use proposals of the
Structure Plans to all stakeholders to ensure their
effective implementation.
foreword - Governor of Anambra State
His Excellency,
Peter Obi,
Governor of Anambra State
Awka, Nigeria
44
Preface
I
t is my great pleasure
and relief to see the
end product of this
phase of the Anambra
State Urban Structure
well as other partners and stakeholders including
government officials and others who reviewed and
provided feedbacks and comments to the draft final
report, which preceded this final repot.
Plan Project. These Urban Most importantly, I must congratulate His
Structure Plan Proposals Excellency, the Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter
and recommendations for Obi who took the initiative to invite the UN-HABITAT
Awka Capital Territory, to collaborate with the State in the execution of this
Nnewi and satellite Towns project.
and Onitsha and satellite
towns are products of The Government will ensure that these Structure
painstaking consultations, Plan proposals/recommendations are conscientiously
surveys and analyses by implemented and periodically reviewed to the best
UN-HABITAT Consultants. extent possible.
I am fully aware of the technical, including I commend these proposals and recommendations
infrastructural bottlenecks and other difficulties to the citizens and residents of Anambra Sate in general
encountered in the process and I appreciate that these and those of the project cities in particular.
difficulties notwithstanding, the Consultant Teams
persisted in their work. The result is this very admirable
outcome.
It has been a rewarding experience working with
the Teams and I take the opportunity to appreciate
and thank all of them individually and collectively, for
their commitment to the project. I wish to also express
the profound gratitude of the Sate Government to the
management of UN-HABITAT who made this project Peter Afuba Esq.
possible.
Hon. Commissioner for Lands, Survey and
I wish to also thank all those others who made Town Planning, Awka Anambra State
contributions to the successful outcome of this project
including project communities and their leaders, as
preface
55
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
In the process of H.R.H Igwe Kenneth Orizu of Nnewi and H.R.H Igwe
preparing this report, Gibson Nwosu, Eze-Uzu Awka. We are also grateful to
we owe gratitude to so the following Traditional Rulers: Igwe Reuben Aghanti
many people, groups and of Ezinifite, Igwe Christopher Umeaniba of Azuigbo,
institutions, although H.R.H Leonard Ojiako, Obi of Amichi, H.R.H
space would only permit B.B.C.Okeke, Igwe of Okija, Representatives of Ukpo
mentioning just a few. Improvement Union, Sir Ezekiel Okeke President-
General, Ichi Development Union, Sir A Okechukwu
To start with, we – President Utuh Development Union for attending to
would like to acknowledge the requests for information.
the magnanimity of the
Governor of Anambra Our special thanks go to the following resourceful
State, H.E. Mr. Peter Obi, Community Leaders namely Dr. Dozie Ikedife
for his vision in initiating President-General of the Ohaneze Ndigbo, Hon. Ben
the project in collaboration with the UN-HABITAT as Ngonadi, the Chairman, Nzuko-Ora Nnewi Professor
the executing agency and for his full support in providing J.O.C Onyemelukwe and Sir A.E Ibeanu for their
the necessary operational and logistical resources for various contributions and assistance to the project.
project execution.
Lastly, we wish to acknowledge the selfless service
We would also like to thank the State Commissioner rendered in various capacities in the execution of the
for Lands, Survey and Town Planning, Hon. Peter project by the following Engr. Daniel Abalogu, TPL
Afuba, for his admirable calmness and equanimity in Valentine Ezenwa, TPL Vincent Ezenagu, Mr Paul
piloting the execution of the project on behalf of the Omaliko, Ifeanyi Ezife, Mr. Ifeanyi Ikem Igwilo and
State Government. Similarly, we wish to thank the Mr. J. O. J Ulasi, Ms. Uju J Efobi, Ms. Ngozi F Okpara
various officials of his Ministry who provided technical and Ms Ngozi Olisakwe and Chris Onwuagana.
and logistic supports; in particular, the Permanent
Secretaries of the Ministry, Sir Gregory Obunadike and
Barrister (Mrs.) Ada Idigo-Izundu, the Ag. Director of
Town Planning Mr. Peter C. Okoye; and the Ag. General
Manager of the Anambra State Urban Development
Board (ASUDEB), Mr. Jude E. Ilozulike. In the same
vein, we acknowledge the cooperation and assistance
of all the officials in the various State Ministries who
provided us with relevant data and information for
this report. Invaluable technical support was regularly
rendered by Engr. Cletus Maduafokwa, Chief Engineer
of ASUDEB. We thank the Chairman of the ASUDEB,
Arc. Okey Chukwuogo and his staff for hosting the
Structure Plan Project.
We specially acknowledge the support and Dr Alioune Badiane
cooperation of traditional rulers and community leaders
of the various communities covered in this project namely Director, Regional Office for African and
H.R.H. Alfred Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha, H.R.H. Arab States UN-HABITAT, Nairobi
Engr. J.U. Nwakobi, the Eze Obosi and his chiefs,
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
66
table of contents
Foreword 3
Preface 5
Acknowledgements 6
Chapter 1: INTRODUCTION 13
1.1 Preamble 13
1.2 Methodology 16
1.2.1 Awka Capital Territory Consultation Forum 18
1.3 The Structure Plan Area 18
1.4 Report Structure 18
Chapter 2: BACKGROUND TO AWKA 19
2.1 Location and Regional Setting 19
2.2 Natural Environmental Factors 19
2.2.1 Climate 19
2.2.2 Temperature 20
2.2.3 Rainfall and Humidity 20
2.2.4 Topography 20
2.2.5 Geology and Soils 20
2.2.6 Vegetation 20
2.2.7 The Effects of Natural Climatic Factors
on Urban Design and living 20
2.3 Historical Background 20
2.4 Settlement Patterns 21
2.5 Population. 22
2.5.1 Male Female Population 1991-2006 22
2.5.2 Household Population 25
2.6 Economy 25
2.7 Land Use Activities, Patterns and Trends 25
2.7.1 Land use in Awka 25
Chapter 3: PROFILE OF AWKA AND SURROUNDING SETTLEMENTS 26
3.1 Shelter and Slums 26
3.1.1 Proportion of people living in slums 26
3.1.2 Proportion of people with access to water and sanitation. 30
3.1.3 Secure Tenure 30
3.1.4 Existing Planning Policies and Legislations 31
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77
3.2.4 Gender and Health 34
3.2.5 Gender and Agriculture 35
3.2.6 Gender and Land Use 35
3.2.7 Gender and Violence 35
3.2.8 Empowerment and Institutional set up 35
3.2.9 Identified Priorities 36
3.4 The Environment 36
3.4.1 Environmental Problems 36
3.4.2 Institutional and Legislative Framework 37
3.4.3 Urban Environmental Management
Actions by the State Government 37
3.4.4 Identified Action Priorities to improve the Environment 38
3.4.5 Capacity Building and Training 38
3.5 Basic Urban Services 38
3.5.1 Institutional Set-up 38
3.5.2 Water Supply 38
3.5.3 Education 39
3.5.4 Health 39
3.5.6 Roads 40
Chapter 4: VISIONING THE FUTURE 42
4.1 Preamble 42
4.1.1 Goal of ANSEEDS 42
4.1.2 Goal of Awka LEEDS 42
4.2 Vision of the Plan 43
4.3 Goals and Objectives 43
4.3.1 Goals. 43
4.3.2 Objectives: 43
4.4. Urban Form 45
4.4.1 Alternative Urban Forms 46
4.4.2 Basic Assumptions 46
4.4.3 The Urban Forms 46
4.4.4 Twin City 46
4.4.5 Single Core City 47
4.4.6 Multi-Nuclei City 48
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88
Chapter 5: STRUCTURE PLAN LAND USE PROPOSALS 54
5.1 Identified Priorities and Land Use Proposals 59
5.2 Land use Planning and Allocation Strategies 59
5.3 Residential Land Use 59
5.3.1 Slum Upgrading 59
5.3.2 Slum Preventive Measures. 59
5.3.3 Development of Existing Estates 60
5.3.4 New Residential Layouts 61
5.3.5 Measures for developing New Housing Areas 61
5.4 Local Economic Development 62
5.4.1 Industrial Land use 62
5.4.2 Offices and Commercial uses 62
5.4.3 Informal Sector 63
5.5 Institutional and Community Facilities. 63
5.6 Recreational Open space/ Tourism/Cultural land use 63
5.7. Basic Urban Services 63
5.7.1 Educational Facilities 64
5.7.2 Health Facilities 64
5.7.3 Water Supply 64
5.7.4 Transportation proposals 64
5.7.5 Abattoir 65
5.7.6 Petrol Stations 65
5.8. Environmental Quality 66
5.8.1 Erosion Control 66
5.8.2 Control of indiscriminate Quarrying
and Sand and Gravel extractions 66
5.8.3 Drainage and Street Lighting 66
5.8.4 Waste Disposal 66
5.8.5 Control of Noise Pollution 66
5.8.5 Recreational facilities 66
5.9 Settlement Policy 66
5.10 Green Belt 66
Chapter 6: IMPLEMENTATION ARRANGEMENTS 67
6.1 Need to Adopt Sustainable Development Paradigm 67
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99
6.4 Interim Implementation Arrangements 72
6.4.1 Appointment of Chief Technical Adviser
and Programme Officers 72
6.5 Phasing Plan 73
6.5.1 Planned Implementation of Action Plans Jan-December 2009 73
6.5.2 Proposed Policy and Institutional Reforms 2009-2010 75
6.5.3 Phasing of Implementation of Action Plans 2010-2027 75
6.5 Capacity Building 76
6.6 Financial Outlay 77
6.6.1 Sources of Funds 77
6.6.2 List of Donors Active in Anambra State 78
6.7 Monitoring and Review 78
Bibliography 79
Credits 80
Acronyms 81
table of contents
10
10
List of Tables
2.1: Population Growth of Awka Territory 1991-2006 22
2.2: Population of Awka Territory by Sex 1991-2006 23
2.3: Male-Female Population of Selected Communities
outside Awka Territory (1991-2006) 24
2.4: Population per Household by LGA in the Planning Area 25
3.1: Public and Private Housing Estates in Awka
Capital Territory and Environs 29
3.2: Political Office Holding in Anambra State by Gender in 2004 32
3.3: School Population Enrolment by Sex in Awka 33
3.4: Qualification of Employed Teacher’s by Gender 33
3.5: Agriculture and Women Participation 34
3.6: School Enrollment in Awka Territory 39
3.7: Public Health Centres in Awka Territory 39
4.1: Evaluation of Alternative Urban Forms with respect
to attainment of Plan 51
4.2: Populations for the LGS in the Planning 1991-2030 52
5.1: Identified Priorities and Implications for Land use Proposals 55
5.2: Approved Estates in Awka Capital Territory and Environs
for Comprehensive Development 60
5.3: Proposed Land Use Standards 62
6.1: Planned Project Activities to be implemented centrally
by State Government for all the Structure Plans 73
6.2: Phasing of Action Planning 2009 74
6.3: Policy and Institutional Reforms 2009-2010 75
6.4: Phasing of Implementation of Action Plans 2010-2027 75
6.5: Capacity Building Activities 2009-2027 76
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1111
List of Figures
1.1: Structure Plan Team with His Highness Igwe Mbakwu
and Indigenes and Council Chiefs during initial consultation process. 15
1.2: Cross section of Stakeholders at the Consultation Forum 16
1.3: Framework for the Conduct of RUSPS 17
1.4: Awka Capital Territory Neighbouring Settlements 18
2.1: Anambra State in Nigeria 20
2.2: Awka in Anambra State 21
2.3: Awka Capital Territory Digital Elevation Model 22
2.4: LGA Population by Sex 1991-2006 23
2.5: Awka Capital Territory: Existing Land use 25
3.1: Aerial View of a typical Awka Slum 27
3.2: Access to Water and Sanitation in Anambra State 1999-2003 30
3.3: Male-Female Teachers by Qualification in Awka 33
3.4: View of Eroded Landscape, a common problem in the Planning Area. 37
3.5: View of a congested and inadequately developed
High Street in Awka, with no adequate provisions for
pedestrian walkways, drainage and lights. 40
4.1: Urban Form: Single Core City 47
4.2: Urban Form 1: Twin City 49
4.3: Urban Form: Multi-Nuclei City 50
4.5: Population for the LGS in Planning Area based
on Graphical Projections 52
5.1: Awka Capital Territory: Proposed Land use 58
5.2: Awka Capital territory: Proposed Pedestrian Bridges and Flyovers 59
6.1: Proposed Institutional Structure for Implementing the Structure Plan 71
12
12
1 INTRODUCTION
Empowerment and Development Strategy (LEEDS), agreed urban main thematic issues for development
the HABITAT Agenda, the Millennium Development intervention.
Goals and the Vision 2020 of the Federal Government.
1 UN-HABITAT (2006). Rapid Urban Sector Profiling for Sustainability (RUSPS) –
Project designed and implemented by UN-HABITAT and financed by the European
Commission, Government of Italy, Government of Poland and Government of
Netherlands
1313
The RUSPS methodology has since been perfected Anambra is perhaps very lucky to be the first state
and applied in over 20 countries in Africa, Caribbean in Nigeria to utilize the RUSPS methodology for the
and the Pacific. Its scope, contents and application preparation of urban structure plans, drawing from the
have been adequately described elsewhere by UN- Egyptian experience. Since the technique was new to
HABITAT2 . In Kenya, RUSPS focused on four urban Nigeria, the Team of 10 national consultants selected
thematic issues including governance, slums, gender and for study and several staff of government drawn from
HIV/AIDS and environment. The RUSPS as applied Anambra State Ministry of Lands Survey and Town
in Egypt RUSPS addressed six thematic issues namely Planning as well as the Federal Ministry of Housing
Heritage or historic areas, Governance, Slums and and Urban development were trained in the new
Shelter, Gender and HIV/AIDS, Environment, Basic methodology. During the training participants were
Urban Services and Local Economic Development. given the opportunity to review the RUSPS framework
and this was seriously evaluated and the Consultants
The experience of Egypt in the use of RUSPS was thereafter agreed that the RUSPS as applied to the cities
insightful and commendable in that it was used to of Anambra State would focus on seven thematic issues
achieve the preparation of over 200 structure plans over namely Heritage/historic areas, Gender, Governance,
a two year period. The Egyptian experience, therefore, Environment, Slums/secure tenure, Basic urban services
provides a valuable lesson for other development and Local Economic Development. The various issues to
countries where cities were grappling with growth be investigated were discussed among the stakeholders
without the adoption of the required structure plans. during the training and the agreed framework was
Since a Structure plan based on RUSPS have statutory arrived at. Fig 1.1 shows the logical framework of the
basis it has more muscles when compared with RUSPS application of RUSPS for the Cities of Anambra State.
Reports.
The RUSPS was used for the profile studies of Awka,
Essentially, RUSPS is veritable rapid assessment Nnewi and Onitsha from January-May 2008. For ease
methodology to formulate urban poverty reduction of application, the questionnaires were re-arranged
strategy at the local, national and regional levels through and administered to three groups namely Government
a participatory, crosscutting, holistic and action-oriented agencies, NGOs and Research Institutes and justice
assessment of needs. It involved profiling the city which / legal agencies. Each set of questionnaires covered
provides an overview of the urban situation in the cities relevant issues from the 7 thematic areas so that at its
selected for study through a series of interviews with conclusion, consultants gathered impressions on all
key urban actors and stakeholders. This is followed by spheres of development from all the groups.
a city consultation where priorities are discussed and
agreed by stakeholders. City level findings provide During fieldwork, questionnaires were administered
inputs for the national profile and national to Sub- directly by consultants and field assistants on groups’ and
regional profile. Both profiles will result in formulation individual’s bases as the cases demand. This approach
of specific strategies and policy development. The was observed to be interactive, mentally stimulating,
beauty of the profile is that it provides guidance to less time consuming, and more effective. The questions
international external support agencies to develop reviewed the existing situation from the stakeholders’
their responses to capacity building and technical and perspective, their views of the cause, existing initiatives
financial assistance.3 to remedy the situation, possible means of stakeholder
intervention and their desires for the future.
The RUSPS comprises three phases, namely:
Following analysis and projections, a city consultation
Phase 1, which is tagged the city assessment, is the was held in each of the three cities. The forum, which
rapid profiling of urban conditions based on defined involved several stakeholder groups, reviewed the
variables on specific themes, utilizing participatory findings of the study and ascertained that there was a
approaches and administering a comprehensive consensus on proposed improvements. Stakeholders
instrument for data collection; were drawn from; government officers, traditional rulers,
community based organizations, NGOs, professional
Phase 2 builds on identified priorities and develops bodies, academic and research institutes, women and
introduction
detailed capacity - building and capital investment youth organisations, trade organizations i.e. National
projects; and Union of Road Transport Workers and Owners, artisans
Phase 3 focuses on implementation of the projects. /tradesmen, industrialists and religious organizations.
2 UN-HABITAT (2000). Op cit. and several other Profile Studies completed for
Somalia, Egypt Sierra Leone.
3 UN-HABITAT (2006). Op cit
14
14
Fig 1.1: Structure Plan Team with His Highness Igwe Mbakwu and Indigenes and Council
Chiefs during initial consultation process.
The team found out that almost all the towns visited In addition questionnaires were distributed to the
had erosion as their major complaint, devastating both Communities, government agencies at Federal and
arable and residential lands. This problem was evidenced State levels, NGOs, the informal sector etc. Analysis of
in Mgbakwu, Nise, Nibo, Agulu, Agbu, Awka, Enugwu- these questionnaires provided additional inputs into the
Agidi, Nawgu, and a host of others. The problem of planning process. Altogether the following seven main
none availability of potable water was prevalent in themes were covered in the enquiry:
these areas as residents trek long distances in search
of drinking water. The towns such as Abba, Enugwu- • Shelter and Slums
ukwu, Abagana, Agulu, Isiagu, Nise, Mgbakwu, Nimo,
Nri, Adazi- Nnukwu, Awgbu, Umuawulu and Ukpo • Environment
recorded this problem. • Urban Governance
The team also noted the facilities on the ground • Local Economy
in the different towns under discussion but found out
that the facilities were inadequate. Though hospitals • Basic Urban Services/ Transport
were built in certain communities, the basic necessities
to make them effective were lacking. Schools lacked • Gender
adequate teachers and instructional materials.
• Heritage
On the whole, the people from various towns were
introduction
1515
Fig. 1.2: Cross section of Stakeholders at the Consultation Forum
1.2.1. Awka Capital Territory Rather than taking the route of preparing individual
Consultation Forum city and State profile report4 , the decision was to prepare
On May 2nd 2008 the Awka Structure Plan the Draft Structure plans based on the prioritized needs
team held a city consultation to fine –tune their as well as focusing on the goals of Anambra State
recommendations and proposals for the Structure Plan. Economic Empowerment as the goals of the Habitat
Five representatives as shown below were invited from Agenda and the Millennium Development Goals as
each of the twenty four towns of the Capital Territory, they relate to the thematic areas adopted. These Drafts
to Cana House, Awka. were subjected to reviews by experts and different arms
of Anambra State Government for comments and the
1. One Traditional representative. final report incorporated the essential comments made.
2. One Civil Servant. The report will create a focus for development,
reaffirm the fact that all have a stake in affairs of their
3. One Youth representative. communities, and assist the various tiers of government
to identify, plan, project and guard against negative
4. One Woman representative. developmental trends in Nnewi and similar emerging
5. The President General of the town union. The forum urban centres.
was fairly attended.
The Forum was well attended and the issues raised
introduction
4 The opportunity can still be explored for developing Anambra State Urban
Profile Report as well as the individual City Profiles which will incorporate all
the information collected on the three cities as a resource mobilization strategy
document
16
16
Fig 1.3: Framework for the Conduct of RUSPS
Process Outputs
introduction
1717
1.3 THE STRUCTURE PLAN AREA 1.4 REPORT STRUCTURE
Awka Territory covering 10 km radius covers six The Report is divided into 6 chapters as follows:
Local governments six Local Governments which
include Awka Capital Territory, Awka South Local Chapter 2 which follows chapter 1 on introduction,
Government area accounting for more than half of the provides a general background account of Awka and
land area. Others are Awka North, Njikoka, Anaocha, surrounding towns in terms of geographical settings,
Dunukofia and Orumba Local Government Areas (Fig history, economy and demographic data.
1.4).
Chapter 3 is an account of the profile of Awka
Urban growth has been rapid in the area. The three based on the seven thematic areas adopted for
towns of Awka, Amawbia and Okpuno have grown investigation. It concludes with an analysis of the
to merge with each other, forming a conurbation. For strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats facing
the purposes of this urban structure plan project, the the planning area (i.e. SWOT analysis).
three towns constitute the urban core meant for more
detailed proposals. Chapter 4 is devoted to visioning the city into
the future for the next 20 years defining the goals,
objectives, a planning strategy and justification for the
proposed selection.
Chapter 5 discusses the land use planning and
management strategies of the structure plan for Awka
and its neighboring towns. Chapter 6 deals with the
plan’s implementation and monitoring arrangements.
introduction
18
18
2 BACKGROUND TO AWKA
2.1 LOCATION AND REGIONAL SETTING Urban growth has been rapid in the area. The three
towns of Awka, Amawbia and Okpuno have grown to
Awka, located between latitude 6o 12’N and merge with each other, forming a conurbation. For the
longitude 7o4’East, is the capital of Anambra State, one purposes of this urban structure plan project, the three
of the 36 States of the Federation and and one of the towns constitute the urban core meant for more detailed
five States in the South-East geo-political zone of the proposals.
country. The other states are Abia, Ebonyi, Enugu and
Imo. Awka Capital Territory, occupying the middle of
the eastern boarder of Anambra state, lies due west of
the Mamu River which forms its eastern boundary (Figs 2.2. NATURAL ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
2.1 and 2.2).
The land area of the capital Territory covers 10km 2.2.1 Climate
radius and could be regarded as a heavily populated sub- The area under discussion lies within the tropical
region, with Awka occupying the centre at the junction wet climate zone with clear-cut wet and dry seasons.
of the old Enugu- Onitsha road and Amawbia –Orlu Nearly eight out of the twelve months of the year enjoy
road. This sub-region encircles many fast growing small the rains while the four remaining months fall within
and medium towns which include Awka, Amawbia, the dry season. These two seasons are brought about
Nibo, Nise, part of Agulu, part of Awgbu, Mbaukwu, by the two predominant winds that rule the area: the
BACKGROUND TO AWKA
Umuawulu, Ezinato, Isu- Aniocha, and part of Amansea, south western monsoon winds from the Atlantic Ocean
Okpuno, Mbaukwu, Urum, and Nawgu. Others are and the North eastern dry winds from across the Sahara
Enugwu- ukwu, part of Nimo, Nawfia, Nri and Adazi- dessert. The harmattan – a particularly dry and dusty
Nnukwu. The Sub-region covers six Local Governments period occurs for about two weeks within dry season
which include Awka Capital Territory, Awka South Local usually between November and February.
Government area accounting for more than half of the
land area. Others are Awka North, Njikoka, Anaocha,
Dunukofia and Orumba local Government Areas (Fig.
2.2).
1919
2.2.2 Temperature 2.2.6 Vegetation
Awka experiences high temperatures in the range Awka Sub-region falls within the rain forest zone
of (27-28o C), which increase to a peak of about 35o of Nigeria. But pressure on land in form of agriculture
C between February and April, the hottest period and commerce has largely reduced the vegetation here
(Ofomata, 1975 p.16).The coolest periods occur from to mixed savanna. Only along stream courses and in few
mid July through December to early January, coinciding preserved areas can one find some rain forest trees such
with middle of the rainy season and the harmattan as Iroko, soft wood, domesticated species like oranges,
respectively. Awka’s high temperatures creating warm mangoes etc. Palm trees/ coconut trees are quite common
condition have great potentials for promoting outdoor in residential areas for their economic value. However,
recreational pursuits and tourism. the predominant vegetation here is mixed savanna. The
wetter river valleys support dense rainforest. Rain forest
of evergreen vegetation abounds along streams.
2.2.3 Rainfall and Humidity
High humidity and rainfall characterize the Awka 2.2.7 The Effects of Natural Climatic Factors
region. These produce considerable discomfort. Between on Urban Design and living
1979 and 1989, the mean annual rainfall recorded was
1,485.2 mm with, mean monthly figure of 50mm. Natural climatic factors such as climate, geology and
An absolute daily maximum of over 200mm has been vegetation influence the lifestyle of the community and
recorded between June and August in the area. the design of the built landscape. For example, the two
prominent trade winds influence orientation and design
of buildings. The long span of buildings is oriented in
2.2.4 Topography a southwest - northeasterly direction. This is to reduce
the effect of intense warmth from the southwest and
Most of the Territory lies below 300 metres above sea cold from the northeast. The cropping season begins
level on the plains of the Mamu River. This portion is in March at the commencement of the rains and the
fairly level and tilts very gently towards the Mamu. Two traditional New Year begins at the end of the harvesting
ridges or cuestas, both lying in a North-South direction, period (October/November). The porous nature of
form the major topographical features of the area. The the soil condition dictates special consideration for
ridges reach the highest point at Agulu outside the foundation design and landscape design and nature
Capital Territory. About six kilometers east of this, the conservation.
minor cuesta peaks about 150 metres above sea level
at Ifite –Awka. The valley or plain surrounding this
portion hosts the Awka, Amawbia, Umuokpu, Nibo,
Mbaukwu and Umuawulu towns. The topography map 2.3 HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
is shown on Fig. 2.3. The first settlers in Awka and sub-region migrated
originated from Avomimi village in Enugwu-ukwu
from about AD 900. They associated their origins and
2.2.5 Geology and Soils mythology with the Nri people who established Nri
A thick sequence of shale and sand stones formed Kingdom and hegemony in pre-colonial times. History
in the Paleocene age underlie most of the Territory. had it that Awka was the centre of the Nri Kingdom.
Eocene fossils are also common; a rich bed of sands Other surrounding towns namely, Agulu, Agukwu-
and clay containing seams of lignite cover these strata. Nri, Enugwu-Ukwu, Enugwu-Agidi and Nawfia call
Quaternary sediments predominate, in Anambra themselves Umu-Nri. Adazi and Mbaukwu also claim
BACKGROUND TO AWKA
State. The soil types are three, viz: loamy, clay and fine Nri lineage (Jeffreys 1956 pp 119-131).
white sands, and lateritic, red to brownish soil, poorly Awka was believed to occupy the site between the
cemented and with moderate permeability. It is easily present village of Amudo and Ifite, a favourable flat
eroded. fertile agricultural land.
20
20
The Nri developed their divine kingship and With the increasing number of these non-
established a kingdom and hegemony, not by conquest, agricultural specialists, Awka gradually developed into
but by control of the ritual life of the people, control of a pre-industrial urban centre both by natural increase
Ozo and Eze titles, control of yam cult, and so on. The and by immigration (there was of course some out-
hegemony embraced much of Igboland east and west of migration of some of the craftsmen, even if it was
the River Niger. At that time, Awka people, especially temporary migration). By 1850, the population of Awka
those from Agulu Quarter, Umuzuocha and Umunagu was estimated at 18,000. This compared very favorably
wards were broadening their economic base by engaging with the population of some other pre-industrial urban
in various kinds of crafts activities particularly, black centres in the area that came to be known as Nigeria;
smithing, wood carving, ivory carving, and art work; and for about the same year the population of Benin was
others engaging in other non- agricultural activities like established at 15,000 by Adams, Katsina at 8,000 in
herbal healing and trade. The blacksmith developed the 1855 by Barth, Lagos 20,000 in 1856 by Brown,
apprenticeship system where they groomed the younger Onitsha, 15,000 in 1850 by Burdo, and Ondo 15,000
ones in their trade purposely to ensure succession. in 1883 by Chausse.
Several smiths traveled out or even migrated to other
settlements in order to get a wider range of clientele and Before the creation of Anambra State in August 1991
increase their sales. With time, Awka smiths became with Awka as its Capital, the town had played different
widely renowned. They made numerous implements roles as administrative/zonal headquarters to different
such as Otonsi (staff of peace), Oji (staff of mystical Governments. In these roles the city had remained
power), Ngwuagiliga (staff of ozo men), and metal bells; more rural than urban in scope and essence. This had to
musical instruments like iron gongs and also, Alo (the change as soon as it became a State Capital.
big ogene); and war implements namely spear, dagger,
and later, Dane guns. The influx of population made up mainly of returnee
civil servants from Enugu, employees of federal ministries
The people of Umudioka and Ezioka wards and parastatals, student population of Nnamdi Azikiwe
specialized in carving of wood, and ivory and arts University and others, brought tremendous pressures
designs. The wood carvers among them produced on existing infrastructure and services.
elegantly carved tools, door shutters and door panels,
chairs, vessels for presentation of kola nuts, and idols
(Okpesi). The ivory carvers produced elegant designs 2.4 SETTLEMENT PATTERNS
on “odu okike” (ivory trumpet) for ozo titled men and
other items as part of the paraphernalia for titled men. Awka town comprises two distinct sectors, namely
The artists among them produced various elaborate the built up older portion that is overcrowded and
designs made on pots and wooden doors and engaged unplanned with poor road system and the sparsely
in paint works on walls of houses and compound. They developed part with open land surrounding the houses.
also made the special “itchi” marks on faces of people The open area is north of the Enugu- Onitsha expressway
intending to take titles. and has been primarily used for agriculture.
The people of Amikwo Umuike, and Umuoruka The pattern of built –up and open sections is
wards also practice herbal medicine men, healing the applicable to most communities in the Capital Territory.
sick and traded in ritual objects. They traveled widely With each of these communities having this dual nature
advertising and selling their goods which included is noteworthy for planning purposes to maintain the
some of the products of the craftsmen. They sometimes peculiarities.
acted as agents of Eze Nri, which conferred on them
BACKGROUND TO AWKA
2121
2.5 POPULATION.
Table 2.1: Population Growth of Awka
The relevance and use of population data in land Territory 1991-2006
use planning for several purposes cannot be over-
emphasized. Such purposes include using population Local Govern- 1991 2006 % Annual
data to determine housing needs, quantity and ment growth
geographic allocation of vital services and facilities Awka South 189,049 2.79
water supply, electricity education as well as projections 130,664
for these services based on anticipated growths. Awka North 112,608 5.34
60,728
The use of census population figures in Nigeria
has its problems shrouded with inconsistencies and Dunukofia 96,382 1.95
controversies over the figures. For years, many have 73,473
contested the accuracy of the census data for different Njikoka 148,465 6.47
parts of eastern Nigeria 1. Nevertheless, this study relied 72,948
on the official population figures declared for 1991
Orumba North 172,405 2.20
census and 2006 to determine the population growth as
127,476
well as other variables taking into account some of the
reservations about the use of these data. Anaocha 285,002 2.63
200,607
Awka Territory has witnessed one of the fastest Total 1,003,911 3.17
population growths in the country. The annual growth 665,896
rates witnessed in the area for the past sixteen years vary
Source: National Population Commission (1991 and 2006).
from 2.20% per annum for Orumba North to 6.47%
per annum for Njikoka LG. The average rate of growth
per annum for the area is 2.63% per annum. Both Awka
North with its figure of 5.34% and Njikoka recording 2.5.1 Male Female Population 1991-2006
6.47% are experiencing faster population growth rates
when compared to the other LGs in the Planning Area Analysis of population by sex shows a near even
(Table 2.1). distribution between male and female population
as noted for nearly all the local government except
According to the 2006 census, the population of in Orumba North where the gap between man and
the six local Government Areas that make up the Awka woman is slightly higher than the others (Table 2.2 and
Capital Territory is 1,003, 911, with an average annual Fig. 2.4).
growth of 3.17% per annum recorded during the past
sixteen years (Table 2.1). As not all the autonomous communities in the five
LGs fall within the Capital Territory and the 2006
census figures for such autonomous communities are
not yet available. The figures for the communities in
the Capital Territory currently in use for Development
purposes by the State and Local Governments were
computed from 1991 census using annual growth rate
of 2.8 percent per annum as shown in Table 2.3.
BACKGROUND TO AWKA
1 See TAHAL Consultants: Preliminary Report of the Four Urban Water Schemes in
Eastern Nigeria conducted in 1975; Study of the Development Problems and future
Needs of Major Urban Centres by Doxiades Associates and Bevencot – Movet –
Bosboom Consultants’ Feasibility Study of Clay Building Materials in Eastern Nigeria
September in 1975.
22
22
Table 2.2: Population of Awka Territory by Sex 1991-2006
Local Government 1991 2006
Area Male Female Male Female
Awka South L.G.A 63657 67007 97,815 91,234
Awka North L.G.A 29518 31210 59,128 53,480
Dunukofia L.G.A 35230 38243 50,731 45,651
Njikoka L.G.A 35634 37314 76,158 72,307
Orumba North L.G.A 61541 65935 89,559 82,846
Anaocha L.G.A 97067 103540 147,998 137,004
Total 322647 343249 521,389 482,522
Source: National Population Commission (1991 and 2006)
BACKGROUND TO AWKA
2323
24
BACKGROUND TO AWKA
24
Table 2.3: Male-Female Population of Selected Communities outside Awka Territory (1991-2006)
2525
3 PROFILE OF AWKA AND SURROUNDING SETTLEMENTS
In this Chapter, the profile of Nnewi is discussed 3.1 SHELTER AND SLUMS
and analyzed based on the agreed 7 thematic foci of
‘Slums’ as it has been defined are residential areas in
PROFILE OF AWKA AND SURROUNDING SETTLEMENTS
(a) develop an understanding of the strengths, According to UN-HABITAT (2002), slums create
weaknesses, opportunities and threats; the conditions for poor health and insecurity and are
the most visible forms of poverty in the city. While
(b) identify capacity building needs and opportunities there have been concerted efforts at national, state, local
for developing enabling local policies regulations and global levels to eradicate poverty but to effectively
and more effective institutional and financing extend this drive to improving the lives of people living
mechanisms; and in slums has either been missing or less than desired2
. An assessment of the slum conditions in Awka as
(c) provide city-wide responses to address improvements other cities in the Structure Plan project in the State is
needed in the different thematic areas, through therefore imperative for devising appropriate strategies
identifying priority projects and areas of intervention to address poverty reduction and achieve sustainable
including geographic location of the projects, urbanization in the planning area.
capacity building and capital investment projects.
2626
3.1.1 Proportion of people living in slums exist, which reflect their organic growth and lack of
Houses in the core of Awka Capital Territory can harmony that could result from effective development
generally be grouped into two classes. To the north control.
of the Onitsha-Enugu Expressway, dividing the city The grim housing situation in Awka and environs
into two parts, are housing generally of low density shortly after the creation of Anambra State may have
development except the slum area around Ifite-Awka. begun to be ameliorated. Concerted efforts are being
In the south of the Expressway, the houses are of high increasingly taken to address the acute housing shortages
density mixed with commercial uses. Here, all building through promotion of government and private housing
for the various uses are jumbled together; with newly estates for the people and students in Awka.
built two or more storey buildings adjacent to either
old and dilapidated bungalows or lying side by side As shown Table 3.1, several Government and Private
with shanties without amenities or conveniences. This led-estates have been developed in several parts of the city
is because both the rich and poor, build on their family to accommodate growth. Government led-estates include
lands without social distinction of class. Udoka Housing Estate, Ahocol Estates, Liberation
Estate, Nawfia, Ngozika Estate and Mgbaukwu – all
In the Capital Territory, the traditional compound are initiatives of Anambra State Housing Corporation.
system, walled and secured by gate, is still the basic The Liberation and Mgbakwu Estates will cater for the
structure for the spatial organization of houses. peculiar needs of Civil Servants. New Schemes at Isiagu
Traditional, neo-traditional and modern houses co- and Mgbakwu are on the drawing board. There has
2727
been a rush to build student housing around Nnamdi
Azikiwe University students and Ifite-Awka bordering
the northwestern side of UNIZIK permanent site to
cater for the needs of students. Although there are no
available data on housing in the Territory, there are
good prospects that a more manageable housing picture
will materialize in the foreseeable future thanks mainly
to the private sector.
There is no statistics on people living in slums in Awka,
but slum areas identifiable by their physical appearance
in terms of dilapidated structure, overcrowding, lack
of land use planning and ineffective development
control. However, based on their physical and social
characteristics, Awka Capital Territory contains two
major slum areas, namely Ifite-Awka and Eke-Awka (Fig
3.1). In Eke-Awka slum constitutes the older residential/
commercial area of the city, with smaller family houses,
narrow streets without drains and inadequate sanitation
facilities. The roads are waterlogged and in most cases,
untarred. Ifite-Awka, situated to the north-western side
of the UNIZIK Permanent Site, is a suburban slum
area with modern buildings of good structures but
without adherence to building regulations. The houses
were developed without adequate streets, drainages and
sanitary facilities. Therefore, it proves a difficult area to
penetrate for services and security.
However, reports indicate that plans for urban
renewal for these are at an advanced stage. There are
PROFILE OF AWKA AND SURROUNDING SETTLEMENTS
2828
Table 3.1: Public and Private Housing Estates in Awka Capital Territory and Environs
Town New Layouts Type Density
AWKA Agu Awka G.R.A. Residential Low
Ikenga Hotels /Abuja Residential Low
Ikenga Hotels Extension Residential Low/Density
Iyiagu Housing Estate Residential Low
Executive Business District Offices/ Residential Low
Uzu Awka Pocket Residential Medium/high
Express Road Residential Medium
Udoka Housing Estate Residential Medium
Isiagu- Amikwo New Development scheme Residential Medium
Inenzu Housing Estate Residential Medium/high
Awka Industrial Industrial/ Residential Medium/Low
Awka Industrial Extension Industrial/ Residential High
Residential Estate Residential Low /medium
Tony’s Oil Residential High
Stadium Pocket Residential (yet to take off) Medium
AMAWBIA Umueri Ezimezi Village Residential Medium/Low
Umueze Planning Scheme Residential Medium/Low
Adabebe Residential Medium/Low
Umukabia Residential Medium/Low
New Era Residential High
3030
3.1.4 Existing Planning Policies dynamic response by the Governor of the State to fill
and Legislations these major gaps.
The field survey showed that Anambra still operates
the obsolete planning legislation it inherited from the
defunct Anambra State from which it was created in 1991, 3.1.6 Identified Priorities
a situation that has not helped to promote sustainable 1. Relocating the informal markets.
human settlements development and management.
The State is not only lagging behind in the passage of 2. Carrying out urban renewal in all slum areas.
the required Planning Legislation, it has yet to ensure
that all cities and local governments have operative 3. Production of up-to-date base maps of the slum
comprehensive land use plans for effective control of area
development. Furthermore, despite the festooning
proliferation of slums and ineffective development
control, both the State and Local Governments in the 3.2 GENDER
planning area are yet to embark on slum upgrading and
promote adequate planning and management of their
settlements. 3.2.1. Gender and culture
Stakeholders ought to cooperate with State and Local Igbo’s culture is based on the concept of patriarchy.
Governments in the planning area in solving the slum Undesirably this culture believes in the superiority,
problems. There is an urgent need for capacity building supremacy and primacy of the men folk over the
and training in the field of slum upgrading. It is also women relegating them as the weaker sex and has gone
necessary to upgrade the slums and to squarely address on unchecked for too long. Based on this undesirable
all social and health problems, and to provide a suitable concept, the women had been discriminated against in
living area for all the residents of Awka Territory. many spheres of economic and social life. Unfortunately,
Anambra State happens to be one of the greatest
adherents of this concept.
3.1.5 Capacity gaps in relation to shelter and Gender issues were given little or no attention in
3131
At the Local Government level, the rough/violent Appointment at the Local Government level is
political terrains dissuade women from engaging in tokenistic. At the State level, there is paucity of women
politics, and the sum total is non- representation in appointments in governmental position. Proof as shown
decision making at the two levels of Governance. below in Table 3.2.
Audit General - 1 1
Chief of Staff 1 - 1
Chief Judge 1 - 1
Source: Ministry of Women Affairs, Awka 2004.
It was therefore a deviation from normal, when out of In buttressing this fact, the Eze Uzu-Awka, Obi
the 24 towns visited, only Ukpo town had two females Gilson Nwosu in realizing this imbalance during Rev.
as members of Igwe’s cabinet (topmost traditional R. Bonkie’s visit in March 2008 to his palace voiced
decision making body),as well as female representatives that it was not in the tradition of Awka to have women
at the Executive Committee at the town union level. in their Igwe’s cabinet; but that the custom would be
Note must also be taken that there is also a women’s redressed to have them as members forthwith.
wing of the town union- a channel through which their
voices are heard. More still, special daily market was It should be noted that, the present administration
established for the women of Ukpo on whose account a in Anambra State in the bid to balance the gender
non-governmental organization was established to take disparity has a good number of women appointed as
care of widows, whose husbands must have died out of Commissioners, and Permanent Secretaries and special
HIV/AIDS pandemic. In effect, gender balance is the assistants to the Governor. It should also be noted
watchword in this town. that there is no segregation in school enrollment and
employment opportunities among the genders. This is a
This is followed by Mbaukwu that also pays attention fair improvement, but it is desired that more women are
to gender balance in development. Almost master- placed in such positions of authority.
servant relationships permeate the fabrics of most
towns, as women still speak in hushed or semi-hushed
voices, afraid of raising or marshalling out issues to the
consternation of men.
3232
3.2.3 Gender and Education This anomaly has not been addressed. The problem
There is a tacit acceptance that poor education of is that these gender gaps create problems in human
the citizens will not place the state in a position from resource development and distribution. The enrolment
which it can favorably compete with the other States in ratio of male to female drooped drastically, and became
the current global trade and development as envisaged. worse in the rural areas due to the introduction of
Social and cultural factors inhibit the progress of women school fees. Instead of addressing this issue, using the
and children, particularly as it used to be thought a bad resource allocation policy by the State Government
investment to train a girl child educationally. “one –school two principal’s system” was introduced,
creating room for junior and senior secondary schools,
Male-female enrolment figure is favour of more girls which of course required increased budgetary expenses.
than boys being currently enrolled in primary schools, Table 3.4 below shows the analysis of qualifications of
although there are more boys in private school than girls teachers employed by gender in primary schools in the
(Table 3.3). Currently the gender gap in the education town (see also Fig 3.3).
sector is obvious. Lower male enrolment and school
drop out syndrome take the center stage. The boys are
more interested in commercial trading at a very tender
age, and hope to be money bags before the age of twenty.
3333
Available data indicate that education is declining In places with hospitals and maternity homes, there
at the primary school levels irrespective of the impact are no adequate medical facilities available. Some of
of Universal Basic Education (UBE), and that school them have no qualified doctors and nurses as well as
attendance in 2003 was considerably worse than in drugs to cater for the needs of patients.
1991, as occasioned by raising incident of poverty,
leading to high opportunity cost for education, • It is noted that maternity records are kept.
and high rates of drop-outs. The situation has been
exacerbated by prolonged strikes by teachers in the • HIV testing is compulsory in all antenatal clinics
public schools due to non- payment of salaries, and and a special condition preceding marriage, more
generally poor conditions of service. Teachers lacked especially in orthodox churches.
basic infrastructure, teaching aids and recreational • Not minding the National Health Scheme, workers
facilities. Enrolment was between 10% and 30% and of both State and local Government and Private
only 50% of school age children were in school from sectors still pay exorbitant hospital bills.
2001- 2002 (ANSEEDS 2007). Inadequate provision
for school facilities has manifested in poor distraction
of school in residential neighbourhoods, over-crowding 3.2.5 Gender and Agriculture
and poor environment for learning, resulting in poor
output. Farming system in the State is essentially crop-based.
Over 80% percent of labour for other farm operations
apart from land preparation, notably planting, weeding,
3.2.4 Gender and Health staking, harvesting, come from the women for all
crops except yams. Processing takes over 90 percent of
No meaningful development can take place when those who engage in farm work and women are deeply
health issues are treated lackadaisically. Provisions involved. The quantum of female participation in
of basic primary and secondary health facilities are Agriculture is represented in the table below. Because
responsibilities of State and at Local Governments of the absence of mechanizations, physical manual
respectively. Observations at the different community strength generates the power used by women in their
levels show that no special attention is placed on agricultural enterprises (Table 3.5).
children, and women’s health, taking cognizance of the
PROFILE OF AWKA AND SURROUNDING SETTLEMENTS
3434
3.2.6 Gender and Land Use There is a conscious effort at the institutions to
Anambra State is one of the States in the South East, bridge the gap and eliminate discrimination and
where a woman customarily neither inherits landed violence between male and females, through economic
property from her father nor from her husband. In her programmes, of skill acquisition, access to cash and
husband’s house, a woman is only shown a parcel of land credit through micro credits and other soft loans.
on the basis of usufruct, and subject to good behaviour, Due to the awareness of the danger associated with
and as greater percentage of women is not financially non- recognition of gender issues towards a positive
independent, outright purchase of parcels of land is development, the State Ministry of Women Affairs has
out of the question. In all the communities visited, and taken the bull by the horn in instituting policies and
responses obtained, lack of access to land for women strategies aimed at bringing violence, discrimination and
consistently raised its head, and this has inhibited the negation of gender issues to barest minimum. Projects
economic growth and development of women. like Women Fund for Economics (WEFE) formation
of co- operatives, micro- credit loans to partner with
NAPEP, the multi-partner project on micro- finance
3.2.7 Gender and Violence involving the Federal Government, State Government
Notable societal problems have been created by the and Oceanic Bank, collaboration with UNICEF and
concept of emancipation such as increase divorce rate, World Bank on issues of HIV/AIDS, rural women
violence and discrimination. Gender-based violence is development in Agriculture, Health Educational
evident in communities visited. Cases of rape cases, acid projects, disabled peoples program, grants and tools to
bath, assault and battery and intimate terrorism abound. start off businesses.
But because of fear, recidivism and the lackadaisical
attitude of the police, such cases remain mostly under– Essential structures to help the ministry achieve
reported. Implementation of the protective laws is her objectives exist – civic centers, quest houses,
lacking and perpetrators walk the streets free. amphitheatre, and motherless babies’ homes. Gender
issues are considered major challenges due to the
problem created by customs, religious and traditions.
3.2.8 Empowerment and Institutional set up
New laws are coming into force to check the abuse of
children and women’s rights- e.g. Gender and Equal
3535
3.2.9 Identified Priorities There is mixed development of industrial, commercial
• Promotion of communication and enlightenment and residential activities. Such mixture of activities often
programmes on gender and development; causes air and noise pollutions.
• Provision of adequate health facilities, (nurses, (iii) Poor Disposal of Solid Wastes
doctors, and available drugs); with special emphasis The State Government has set-up the Anambra State
on maternity; Environmental Protection Agency (ANSEPA) to be
• Provision of portable water for all; responsible for environmental protection. Statutorily,
ANSEPA’s roles include collecting refuse from people’s
• Establishment of skill acquisition centers at all local homes for a fee. But this hardly happens even though
Government levels, accessible to all; they collect fees by threat of court action from
householders.
• Establishment of a fund to take care of all widows
and female headed households who are jobless; There is a lack of an integrated solid waste system and
management, for example there is no suitable organized
• Passage of protective laws and effective dump site anywhere in the Territory. Indiscriminate
implementation; disposals of solid wastes are major problems in the
Planning Area. It is hard to discern the system of refuse
• Increasing incentives for women in agriculture and disposal. There are no clearly designated refuse dumps
trading, by providing facilities. with facilities to gather and handle refuse in some
locations usually by the road sides, until they become
public nuisance before some trucks are dispatched to
3.4 THE ENVIRONMENT carry them untidily to unknown places. Septic tanks are
used in new premises. Older houses still use pit latrines
Awka Capital Territory and surrounding settlements especially in older parts of Awka. There is no central
face several environmental problems which include soil sewage system
erosion resulting from its predominantly fragile soil,
flooding and environmental pollution arising from poor This is a sector that requires serious Government
waste management particularly in the Urban core. intervention if we will live in a decent environment.
PROFILE OF AWKA AND SURROUNDING SETTLEMENTS
Anambra State Government has signed into Law Government is currently carrying out:
Environmental Sanitation laws. Government has set-
up two bodies dealing with environmental issues i.e. (i) demolition of illegal structures to enhance aesthetic
State Ministry of Environment, and Anambra State quality of the urban environment; and
Environmental Protection Agency (ANSEPA). Recently
a task force on environmental sanitation was inaugurated (ii) construction of drains is currently being undertaken
by the state government. by State Government to reduce flooding of the urban
environment.
The Ministry of Environment engages the services of
contractors to undertake refuse collection and disposal. The Ministry of Environment hires contractors to
The ANSEPA’s role is that of supervision of the refuse collect and dispose of waste. However, the job needs
disposal contractors. However, it is bugged down by to be monitored and suitable refuse disposal sites
low staff morale occasioned by inadequate staff welfare provided.
and the lack of necessary equipment.
3737
3.4.4 Identified Action Priorities 3.5 BASIC URBAN SERVICES
to improve the Environment
• Implement environmental Awareness raising 3.5.1 Institutional Set-up
programmes for the inhabitants of the Territory.
Anambra State has set-up several institutions for
• Support the ASESA financially and provide it with the provision of basic urban social services including
essential equipment. the State Ministries of Education, Health, Works
and Transport for transport and parastatals like the
• Support Local community associations’ capacities State Water Corporation. Each of these Ministries is
for working in the environmental field especially in responsible for the provision of services in their sectors.
erosion control. The Anambra State Water Corporation and Water
• Re-introduction of sanitary /environmental Board responsible for water provision, purification and
inspectors. circulation are very much incapacitated by funds and
logistics.
• Develop effective financial mechanism to mobilize
finance at the Local level. To address these problems, Anambra State
Government is currently making concerted efforts
• Control illegal excavation of laterite, sand /stones in towards urban upgrading and development considering
the Territory. several projects on going projects being executed for the
provision of drainage channels and road maintenance in
• Establish a solid waste recycling plant. the core and some other locations in the Territory.
• Organize and support tree planting programs to Anambra State Government is promoting active
check erosion. collaborations with the private sector and fostering
partnerships for providing resources and technical
• Enforce EIA, other environmental laws and Town assistance with donor agencies like the World Bank,
Planning regulations. UNICEF and the EU for the provision of basic urban
• Such community to appoint environmental watch services.
dog.
PROFILE OF AWKA AND SURROUNDING SETTLEMENTS
3838
3.5.3 Education 3.5.4 Health
Generally the system of education in Anambra State Generally, health facilities in the urban core and the
according to the education indicator shows that the rest of the Territory are not adequate. Health care in
adult literacy rate was relatively poor. There has been a the Capital Territory is predominantly in the hands of
disheartening case of school dropouts, and a dwindling private doctors. According to reports, 75% of the total
male enrollment in schools. In Awka and environs, the health needs of the areas are served by this sector. This
situation has not been significant from the statistics. situation is true only in the urban sectors of the area.
For example, 42.85% males and 57.15% females are
enrolled in the Senior Secondary Schools in the Awka In the more rural areas, Government’s health
Territory. Also 47.37% against 52.13% are enrolled in outposts and Primary Health Centres predominate
the Junior Secondary Schools in the Territory in 2008 as demonstrated in the table below. Other health
(Table 3.6). The tertiary educational institutions in the institutions are those of the University of Nigeria out
Planning Area include University of Nigeria Branch at post at Abagana, Unisia Clinics at Ukpo and Awka and
Abagana, Nnamdi Azikiwe University at Awka and St. many private Hospitals of different grades (Table 3.7).
Paul’s University, Awka.
3939
Fig 3.5: View of a congested and inadequately developed High Street in Awka, with no
adequate provisions for pedestrian walkways, drainage and lights.
The two above two are Federal roads. Local roads include other minor roads that link
one or two of these. All the roads are at present in fair
(ii) Secondary Roads state of repair with drains being provided either on one
side or both sides. This is as a result of the attention
3.The secondary collectors consist of five roads: given to this sector by the present and immediate past
governments in the State. However, generally conditions
• Arthur Eze Road/Avenue which is a busy road of urban roads are bad. They are mostly earth roads,
linking Awka centre with the expressway; no provisions for pedestrian walkway, motorcycle ways,
• Isiagu Ring Road; lighting, drainages and generally narrow and of poor
design and construction standards (Fig 3.5).
4040
3.5.6.2 Traffic Count and Analysis Table 3.9 shows the Enugu- Onitsha Expressway
A traffic count and analysis were carried out for three traffic count which is the major road in the study area.
major traffic routes in the study area. The three routes From the table it is shown that more than 50% of
are Abagana- Awka Old road, Enugu-Onitsha Express traffic on that road is basically car traffic with a figure of
route and Ekwulobia –Awka road. The traffic counts on 8,621 passenger car units out of the total traffic volume.
these routes were carried out to determine their current Also shown here is that 30.6% of the traffic volume is
volume of traffic and road improvements that may be heavy traffic, followed by mini or coastal buses and
necessary. motorcycles. Although the volume of motorcycle traffic
is low here, the careless ridership, it is necessary to ban
Traffic counts were taken on Monday 21/1/08 at four them to reduce the high accident rate of using this mode
different locations. The locations were chosen as they of transport.
represent routes of relative highest traffic concentration
in the Awka Capital Territory and an experience of Table 3.9 shows the Enugu- Onitsha Expressway
their daily traffic volume will suggest a strategic way traffic count which is the major road in the study area.
forward for their development. The vehicles observed From the table it is shown that more than 50% of
and recorded were bicycles, motorcycles, cars and taxis, traffic on that road is basically car traffic with a figure of
grouped as cars, mini and coastal buses, and heavy 8,621 passenger car units out of the total traffic volume.
vehicles including luxury buses, trailers, trucks and Also shown here is that 30.6% of the traffic volume is
tankers in that group. heavy traffic, followed by mini or coastal buses and
motorcycles. Although the volume of motorcycle traffic
Table 3.8 shows the traffic count along Abagana- is low here, the careless ridership, it is necessary to ban
Awka Old Road. From the table it is clear that the traffic them to reduce the high accident rate of using this mode
along the road is dominated by cars as we have a total of transport.
7085 cars (97085 pcu) for both morning and afternoon
count. This is followed by coastal and minibuses with
29.6% of the total pcu traffic count. Heavy vehicles
and motorcycle traffic are relatively moderate at the
moment.
4141
Table 3.9: Enugu –Onitsha expressway Traffic Volume.
Date Period Hours 2 Cars Coastal & Heavy ve- Total P.C.U.
Wheels Minibuses hicles Count
21/01/2008 7am- 1pm 6hrs 688 4970 518 816 8673
1pm -6pm 5hrs 630 3651 750 849 7808
Total 11hrs 1318 8621 1268 1665 16481
(229 (8621 pcu) (2536 pcu) (4995pcu)
pcu)
% of Total pcu -1.50% (7085 pcu) (2980 pcu) 068 pcu 100.00
52.40% 15.49% 30.60%
Source: Field Survey by Consultants 2008
Table 3.10 shows the traffic volume of Ekwulobia by minibuses 31.2%, heavy vehicles 11.6 % and
–Awka Road. The table also shows that about 53% motorcycles 7.3 %.
of the traffic volume came from car traffic followed
The traffic volume analysis invariably calls for and it is not available in an East-West direction i.e. no
adequate maintenance of the road. The use of motorcycle taxi service between old Awka and Expressway or the
is higher here than the other two roads studied here; Area north of the Expressway. Except at Agu-Awka/
hence positive policy for a safe motor bicycle ridership Ikenga Hotel Area, Aroma junction and Kwata junction
must be envisaged. and Amawbia bye-pass, there is no direct vehicular traffic
across the Express way from old Awka. The flyover at
Based on the foregoing, in the next 20 years all UNIZIK temporary site which was under construction
things been equal the volume of car and minibus traffic for some time now should be completed. Locations
will be higher and hence there will be the need to invest of motor parks in the town are not clearly defined.
on mass transit and widening of the narrow roads to Most of them particularly luxurious buses and tipper/
make them at least dual carriageway to take care of the lorries operate from private premises. It is necessary to
envisaged increase in volume. provide intra-urban mass transit system to replace the
uncontrolled minibuses and motorcycles that create
traffic congestions and deaths in the urban core major
3.5.6.3 Other Transportation-related Issues roads and commercial areas.
Circulation is not quite free and easy within Awka in
spite of the fairly good condition of the road network.
Taxi service obtains only along Onitsha/Enugu Road
4242
3.5.7 Storm Water Drainage 3.5.9 Resource Mobilization
Until recently, Awka had suffered seriously from Both Anambra State and the Local Governments in
the poor drainage facilities. This had led to serious the planning area rely much on the following sources
and often fatal over-flooding on an annual basis. This of funds to execute her major functions including the
story is changing as all the roads recently completed provision of basic urban services: (Fig. 3.6).
or currently under construction have provisions for
gutters, sometimes on both sides. What remains is to • Internally generated funds
educate the residents on the need to keep these drains
free of garbage so that water can flow freely through. • Monthly Federal allocation
• Donations, grants, loans from public-private-
partnership initiatives for facility provision.
3.5.8 Power/Energy
Power in the Territory comes from the national Fig 3.4 shows Federal allocation to LGs in the
grid through Onitsha step-down station. There are Planning Area during the past three years, 2005-2007.
two injection sub-stations at Nibo and Ifite-Dunu Awka South and Anaocha receive more grants than the
from where distribution is done. There is constant other LGs, which may not be unconnected with the
power failure and electricity supply in the urban area size of her population among other factors. There is
is erratic. generally a weak capacity for revenue generation by lgs.
This situation has to change for these LGs to be able to
Awka requires up to 100 number of 300 KVA, mobilize enough funds to prosecute urban projects.
11/0. 415 KV distribution transformers, 70 number
300 KVA, 33/ 0.415 KV totaling 170 KVA against 400
existing distribution transformers.
The marketing sector of the power holding covers
Awka North and South, Njikoka up to Afor-Igwe
to Enugu Agidi and Amansea. The Power Holding
Company of Nigeria (PHCN) is faced with operational
problems such as manpower shortage, insufficient
1000
800
2005
Nm 600 2006
2007
400
200
0
Awka S. Awka N. NJIKOKA ANAOCHA DUNUKOFIA ORUMBA N.
4343
3.5.10 Capacity Building • Government to improve on the security particularly
• There is need to provide capacity and training for the youth militants who extorts money from
professional manpower in basic urban services prospective developers.
sector. • Make effective the Anambra Urban and Regional
• Capacity building for legislators and other decision planning laws for effective Urban Environmental
making bodies at the State and Local Government Management in the State
levels is a sine qua non.
• Provision of support and infrastructure equipment 3.6 LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT:
as appropriate and across the agencies in the basic
urban service sector.
3.6.1 Economy Activities
Awka is the administrative headquarters of Anambra
3.5.11 Major Priorities State. Civil servants both State and Federal thus live
• Provision of safe potable water. and work here. The Nnamdi Azikiwe University
and St. Paul’s University are two tertiary educational
• Provision of electricity. institutions in Awka. Education and administration are
thus significant sources of employment in the territory.
• Provide intra-urban mass transit system in Awka and
the region. Banks including the Central Bank, of Nigeria, Agric
Bank, Federal Mortgage Bank, Zenith Bank, Diamond
• Widening of narrow roads in the urban core of Bank, First Bank, Union Bank, Intercontinental Bank,
Awka. Bank PHB, Fidelity Bank, UBA, Citizen’s Bank, First
• Establishment of an integrated system for solid waste City Monument Bank, and Micro-finance Banks also
in the urban core. provide employment.
• Undertake a comprehensive health sector reform for Self-employment is quite common and at 58% it
effective, efficient, and qualitative health services for is quite high. 50% of the self-employed belong to the
PROFILE OF AWKA AND SURROUNDING SETTLEMENTS
the people of the Territory. informal sector. There are small scale operators such as
petty traders, mechanics, tailors, artisans, motorcycle
• Provision of more qualified teachers in private transport operators and labourers (Fig 3. 7). Many
schools both in the urban core and the rest of the hotels, restaurants, and similar hospitality industries
Territory. Also mushrooming private schools should are making modest but significant contribution to
be phased out. employment generation. These are responses to the
Capital City status of Awka and their joint impact on
• Embark on development of standard libraries in the employment generation in the area is significant.
State.
• Provide Public Cemeteries in major communities in
the Awka Capital Territory.
4444
Fig 3.7: View of Roadside Mechanic Workshop encroaching on open spaces: An eyesore
but a necessity for economic survival that must be addressed with adequate provision
for a well-tempered environment for the informal sector
In addition to Eke Awka and Nkwo Amenyi markets From the above, the economy will benefit greatly
thousands of retail outlets serve the University campus. if the crafts (blacksmithing, bronze works and wood
Thousands are employed this way. Street trading, child carving) in the area are organized into co-operatives,
4545
Finally, the existing markets of Eke Awka and 3.6.5 Forestry
Amawbia could be modernized and planned to take The Mamu Forest reserve provides timber for
advantage of the increase in population of the Capital sawmills in Awka. New forest reserves should be
Territory. established around the Territory. In addition a policy
Even though an industrial estate was established in that encourages the planting of trees in open spaces
Awka in the late 1970’s industrial development in the and erosion – prone zones of the Territory will help
territory has not measured up to expectation. There are matters.
few food processing and allied industries. Since then
some industries have moved into the Territory but
statistics are not available to document them. Recently 3.6.7 Analysis of market flow
the NNPC acquired 1km x 1km of land at Ebenebe for Consumer items such as cloths, car spare parts,
the planned Ethanol project. Massive cultivation and etc are brought in from Onitsha and Nnewi. Food
processing of cassava plus other social infrastructure staples namely grain; yams and vegetables are grown
attached to the industry will significantly improve the in Mgbakwu and the surrounding communities.
employment situation in the Territory. Existing industries include agro- processing, plastic and
pharmaceutics, two medium sized poultry farms etc.
Several blacksmiths working on their own could also
3.6.4 Agriculture be cited.
Awka is surrounded by rich agricultural lands to its
north (Mgbakwu) and Southeast (Isiagu).It has over 12
banks plus Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN) and Micro- 3.6.8 Identified Priorities
finance organizations. Self employment is high at 1. Agro- processing industries.
58%.New hotels are entering the town. Because of the
dearth of farm land around Awka agriculture is limited 2. Organized crafts industries (blacksmiths, bronze
to small holder subsistence farming. Cassava, Maize, works, woodcarvers)
some Yam and vegetables are the crops farmed. There is
no organized agriculture. However, in Mgbaukwu, an 3. Modernize and improve the two markets in the
outlying sub-urban of Awka, hectares of cassava farms area.
PROFILE OF AWKA AND SURROUNDING SETTLEMENTS
4646
3.7 HERITAGE 3.7.3 Resource Mobilization
Government could provide a grant for take off of
3.7.1. Regulatory Framework
developing a craft industry to promote the heritage
of the area. Stakeholders should form co-operatives
There ought to be a policy to support and promote e.g. blacksmiths co-operatives, bronze/ metal workers
our common heritage. co-operative and wood carvers co-operatives.. This
important in that Government policy provides financial
support for duly registered co-operatives.
3.7.2 Heritage resources
Awka is reputed as a centre for blacksmith, crafts
3.7.4 Institutional set up/ Capacity Building.
and bronze works of arts from historic times. There is
need to provide infrastructure including a building and The Igwe –in- Council, the Local Government
equipment for iron working and woodcarving. administrator and the above mentioned co-operatives
should co-operate towards the success of the project.
The other heritages of the areas are the traditional Young graduates especially in fine arts should be
palaces, and the religious shrines and sacred sites. encouraged to understudy the older craftsmen. NDE,
NAPEP and similar Government agencies should be
Anambra State, perhaps more than any other State in co- opted as partners and fund sources. The particular
Nigeria, has been blessed with eminent, world -famous department in charge of museums under the Ministry of
sons and daughters. Some of them are truly outstanding information should be lobbied to mentor the project.
in every sense of the word. People like Olaudah
Equiano, the eighteenth century slave boy who turned
a merchant in the seventeen hundreds. A museum built
after his name with slave- related artifacts will draw an 3.8 SWOT ANALYSIS
annual traffic of international tourists. Table 3.11 contains the SWOT analysis for the
seven thematic foci of the RUSPS. Some of the critical
Similarly, such achievers as Chinua Achebe, Chike priority projects identified are also listed against each of
Obi, and Dr. Emeagwali etc could each support a the thematic subject, all which influenced the visioning
museum or Hall of Fame. This project in addition to
4747
PROFILE OF AWKA AND SURROUNDING SETTLEMENTS
4848
Table 3.11: SWOT ANALYSIS
STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES OPPORTUNITIES THREATS PRIORITY PROJECT
GOVERNANCE
Presence of community Inadequate funding of Local Scope for improvement Business as usual which supports Enabling State planning
willing to participate in Governments. in the system through the existing over centralization of laws, policies and land use
governance. implementation of ANIDS power, roles and resources has standards and institution for
strategies. limited the performance of LGs. urban governance.
Governance structures Inadequate staffing of LGs, Willingness of the public, Lack of funds and poor budgetary Establish and promote
exist at state, local and ASUDEB, Zonal offices and over- highly educated workers, and resource mobilization. participatory planning and
community levels. staffing of the Ministry. retired professionals, budgeting
CBOs, NGOs, ready to
engage in participatory
planning.
High regard for cultural Agencies lacked understanding Government’s several Absence of institutional and Implement sensitization
norms and traditional of and non-adoption of new initiatives to improve policy framework for governance. programme and value
rulers. elements of good urban governance and promote orientation.
governance, e.g. transparency good governance.
and accountability participation,
etc.
Existence of new Over centralization of decision Onitsha Stock Exchange Lack of political will and Safer Cities programme for
Anambra State and resources at state level. as an avenue for resource continuity. Awka.
Land Information Lack of data and poor record mobilization for project. Community unrest arising. New Institutional framework
Management System keeping. for implementing plan
to ensure faster and
easier access to land. Poor project implementation Corruption in government at all Establish Programme
and lack of continuity. levels. Management Committees
(Policy and Technical
Committee)
Traditional norms discriminate A new revenue generation
against women. and accounting system.
Inadequate administrative Institutional strengthening
framework for urban and capacity building for
governance. promoting good urban
High crime and insecurity. governance.
Table 3.11: SWOT ANALYSIS
STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES OPPORTUNITIES THREATS PRIORITY PROJECT
SHELTER AND SLUMS
Existence of National No formal master plan for Exploring opportunities High land prices, high building Upgrade inner slums Ifite-
policies and legislation Awka and its surrounding in ANIDS programme costs and insecurity. Awka and improve the lives
for housing and urban communities and week Structure plan for slum of more than 50% of the
development. development control. upgrading. population of Awka living in
slums by ensuring adequate
views to safe water and
sanitation.
Existence of legal and Absence of state planning laws Willingness of local CBOs Possible resistance to rezoning. Develop approved Housing
cultural system of land policies and NGOs to improve on Estates
ownership. their living environment.
Existence of Ad-hoc Non-adoption of comprehensive Backlog of approved High land coverage of slum Strategic plan for suburban
approach to land planning. housing estates waiting t and more than 51% of urban housing expansion and
use planning that be developed. population in without access to infrastructure provision.
can be built upon to water and sanitation.
achieve comprehensive Non proper approach to slum Unwillingness of Local CBOs and Passage of relevant and
approach. prevention, land ownership NGOs to improve on their living legislation and policies and
which discriminate against environment. land use standards.
worker and non-Nigerians.
High land speculation. Resistance to slum upgrading. Reform land titling to ensure
access to land by the poor,
women and non-indigenes.
Lack of adequate funding Lack of resources. Capacity building.
from internal and less usage of Resource mobilization for
external sources of funding. projects.
4949
PROFILE OF AWKA AND SURROUNDING SETTLEMENTS
PROFILE OF AWKA AND SURROUNDING SETTLEMENTS
5050
Table 3.11: SWOT ANALYSIS
STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES OPPORTUNITIES THREATS PRIORITY PROJECT
GENDER
National and Cultural restrictions on women Building on the inclusive Resistance to change and Adoption of pro-poor
international laws and limiting the effectiveness of approach adopted for continued adoption of harmful approach to land tenure.
commitments (CEDAW women in development. LEEDS, ANSEEDS and traditional practices.
and National Policy) Urban structure plan.
exist on gender and
development.
State and Local Lack of access to land and Exploring opportunities Lack of funds to implement Promote gender budgeting.
agencies set-up for finance for women. in ANIDS programme projects and programmes.
promoting gender Structure plan for slum
issues. upgrading.
State and local Non-inclusive approach to land Willingness of Prevailing male dominated culture Capacity building.
development use planning and budgeting. community, CBOs and and tradition.
strategies (ANSEEDS, NGOs to be involved in
LEEDS) encourage their development.
promotion of gender
in development.
Existence of educated Gender imbalance tilting HIV/AIDS stigma and related Resource mobilization for
women, women towards men. negative attitude projects.
groups, Community, High child and maternal
NGOs and CBOs mortality.
contributing to
development. Non-existence of gender
disaggregated data.
Lack of equitable distribution of
basic services which inhibit easy
access of women and children
to school, water supply and
health facilities.
Table 3.11: SWOT ANALYSIS
STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES OPPORTUNITIES THREATS PRIORITY PROJECT
BASIC SERVICES
Agencies for provision Poor maintenance of The Structure provides an Resistance to change. Construct new schools,
of school, health, infrastructure. enormous opportunity to health, water and sanitation
water, sanitation, roads correct imbalance. facilities.
and electricity exist.
Community, NGOs and Inadequate provision for and Promotion public-private Lack of political will. Rehabilitate existing school,
private sector involved inequitable distribution of partnership in provision health, water and sanitation
in the limited provision schools and health centres. of water, health and facilities.
of school, health and sanitation.
sanitation services.
Government’s Poor road networks, Donor’s willingness to Lack of resources. Redesign and rehabilitate old
commitment to inadequate design and provide basic services roads.
upgrade basic services. construction standards and poor such as water, health and
maintenance. sanitation.
Epileptic power supply and poor Design and construct new
distribution. roads to high standard and
maintenance.
Poor educational standard and Rehabilitate and upgrade
high figure for drop outs. old electricity facilities and
provide new infrastructure in
the town.
Poor funding of basic services. Capacity building.
Inadequate Capacity gaps of Resource mobilization.
government agencies.
Narrow and poorly maintained
road networks
5151
PROFILE OF AWKA AND SURROUNDING SETTLEMENTS
PROFILE OF AWKA AND SURROUNDING SETTLEMENTS
5252
Table 3.11: SWOT ANALYSIS
STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES OPPORTUNITIES THREATS PRIORITY PROJECT
ENVIRONMENT
Existence of National Weak institutional capacity. Promote-public Lack of information and Improve environmental
Policy and legislation partnership for coordination within the three tiers planning management
on environment. resource mobilization of government. capacity.
and environmental
management.
Existence of State Uncoordinated institutional Utilize Ecological fund Lack of capacity at the local Establish local urban forum
agencies for working arrangements between and donor resources to government level. for improved environmental
environment and land federal and state and between develop and implement governance.
use planning. state and local government. environmental projects.
Federal Government Inadequate disposal of solid and Lack or inadequate resources for Develop and implement urban
provides funding for liquid wastes. environmental projects. landscape improvement
environmental projects Environmental pollution. Lack of preparedness plan Implement solid waste
through Ecological for managing environmental management plan for Awka.
Fund. disasters.
Poor urban and sterile Lack of resources. Capacity building.
environment.
Inadequate and unqualified Resource mobilization for
staff. projects.
Poor promotion of partnership
between community and private
sector.
Poor funding of environmental
issues.
Lack of equipment.
Low public Awareness of
environmental issues.
Table 3.11: SWOT ANALYSIS
STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES OPPORTUNITIES THREATS PRIORITY PROJECT
LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Thriving industrial, Large informal sector attracting Some donor agencies Inadequate power supply. Develop New Industrial estate
commercial 60-80% of youth. notably UN-HABITAT, for Awka.
establishment. UNICEF, EU, UNDP are
active in the planning
area.
Government High enterprising community. Direct Foreign Transfer Effect of globalization Rehabilitate Old Markets and
commitment in that can be utilized for establish New ones.
promoting industrial projects.
and commercial
activities.
On going programme Unfriendly Government Government commitment Resistance to re-locate industries Develop Business Parks small
to assist the regulation, on location and to promote Awka as the to new estates. and medium enterprises
unemployed and SMIS multiple taxation etc Japan of Africa.
and SMEs. Lack of access to funds and The structure plan Lack of resources. Improve power supply
valuable information. provides an opportunity a
Industries located among standard industrial estate Link Awka to the National
residential areas. for Awka. Rail lines.
Capacity building.
Resource mobilization for
projects.
HERITAGE
Existence of Poor development and High potential for Effect of modernization on Rehabilitation and
government policy on maintenance of heritage sites. developing eco-tourism. culture. conservation of heritage
culture and heritage. sites include landscape
improvement.
Awka is rich in places, Lack of resources. Promote the heritage sites for
shrines and folklores. tourism.
Community committed Capacity building.
to preservation of Resource mobilization.
cultural events.
5353
PROFILE OF AWKA AND SURROUNDING SETTLEMENTS
4 VISIONING THE FUTURE
4.1 PREMABLE
One of the explicit purposes of the Structure Toward achieving this ANSEEDS advanced a range
plan as enunciated in the cooperation agreement of policies, strategies and achievable targets for the state
is to contribute to achieving the goals of Anambra in critical sectors of the economy namely agriculture,
State Economic Empowerment and Development commerce and industry, education, health, water supply,
Strategy (SEEDS), Local Economic Empowerment environment and infrastructure including housing as
and Development Strategy (LEEDS), the HABITAT well as promote other reforms on public service. The
Agenda, the Millennium Development Goals and the ANSEEDS identified development challenges most of
Vision 2020 of the Federal Government. bordered on inadequate land use and environmental
planning and management accounting for non-function
In visioning the city of Awka and environs, several and liveable human settlements, which underscore the
issues needed to be resolved quickly. First, there is the need for a major planning exercise being executed for
need to capture the visions of the state, the LGs and the the three largest cities in the state (namely Onitsha,
communities from which that of the structure plan can Nnewi and Awka).
be based. Second is the need to formulate this vision
to reflect the peculiarities of Awka and environs as the
VISIONING THE FUTURE
54
54
in the Local government area and institutionalization of the HABITAT Agenda, the Millennium Development
values orientation, accountability, transparency and the Goals for poverty reduction, universal access to
due process. This is with a view to increasing the general education, reduction in child and maternal death,
standard of living of the people, increase in productivity halting the incidence of HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis
and improvement in service delivery’. and malaria, environmental sustainability and global
partnership for development as they relate to Awka
This vision emphasizes poverty reduction, elements and Environs and surrounding towns.
of good governance (such as transparency efficiency in
service delivery), promotion of economic growth and (ii) To provide a tool/framework for promoting sound
improvement in infrastructure towards improving the and equitable economic growth, welfare of the people,
living standard of the people. good governance, environmental sustainability,
infrastructural provisions and capacity building.
The vision of Awka North LG is aimed at:
(iii) To promote an integrated approach to
‘Reducing poverty, creating/generating wealth, sustainable development by ensuring that
improving the living standards of the population of environmental and human settlements issues are
the council area or host communities, encouraging integrated with economic and social policies and
development policies generated by the host programmes and ensuring the participation of all
communities, encouraging public participation in stakeholders in the implementation of the proposals
government business with direct impact on the living and recommendations of the Structure Plan.
standards of the people of the host communities.’
(iv) To mobilize resources for the realization of the
This vision emphasises poverty reduction with lots of different proposals and recommendations of the
emphasize on local participation and democracy in the Plan.
attainment of the goals of LEEDS for Awka North.
Interestingly enough both ANSEEDS and LEEDS 4.3.2 Objectives:
for Nnewi North and South emphasize poverty reduction
and the achievement of the Millennium Development All the above goals are MDG-based all must be
Goals and targets in the State (Box 4.1). By implication translated to the needs of Awka and Environs and
since the MDGs touch on Habitat Agenda, the State environs. If the objectives of the Structure Plan are to
Government is no doubt committed to the achievement be attainable and properly monitored they have to be
of the Habitat Agenda. specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time-bound
(i. e. SMART) if they are to be attainable and have been
defined. It was necessary to define the objectives of the
4.2 VISION OF THE PLAN plan in relation to the set targets of the MDGs and the
use of the targets and indicators (Box 4.1).
Deriving from the above reviews, the vision of Awka is:
The objectives of the Structure Plan as derivable from
To strengthen Awka’s administrative, industrial, the above stated goals include the following:
commercial and educational roles and its
rapid contributions to poverty reduction, (i) Contribute to eradication of extreme poverty
employment generation, participatory for 50% of residents in Awka and Environs who
development, good governance, tourism are poor by 2015 through promoting rapid and
development and environmental sustainability. economic growth, job creation and sustainable
livelihood in Awka by: (a) reserving and ensuring
VISIONING THE FUTURE
55
55
(ii) Contribute to achieving universal access to improving the lives of all the people living in slums
education for both men and women in Awka to of Awka and Environs and those living in suburban
achieve 100% enrollment between boys and girls slums through upgrading these slums to provide
raise the adult literacy level to 80% by 2015 by access to water, sanitation, education, communal
(a) reserving lands for primary, secondary and facilities, access roads drainages and improved
tertiary education as well as vocational centres housing and general environment by 2020; (b)
in accessible locations and related to population implementing action plans for erosion control and
distribution to address imbalance in the provisions protection of fertile agricultural land in the plan
and management of old and new facilities to high area, (c) reducing the incidences of environmental
standard to accommodate population growth. pollution by reserving lands for safe disposal of
wastes, separation of industries from residential
(iii)Promote gender equality and empower women by compounds; (d) conserving the heritage of Awka
promoting inclusive and participatory approaches to and Environs by preserving and rehabilitating
development and ensuring access to land and secure historic and cultural building and landscapes;
tenure for all. (e) improving overall amenity in the city through
beautification including tree planting, paving of
(iv)Contribute to the reduction by half high maternal walkways, providing roadside drains, street lighting;
and child mortality rates, and halt/reverse the (f ) enforcing planning standards and control of
high incidences of HIV/AIDS and malaria in development in relation to set-back, air-space and
Awka and environs by 2015 through: (a) reserving ventilation towards achieving a healthy and safe
lands for providing additional health facilities in living environment;
accessible locations to address imbalances in existing
provisions and to provide new ones to accommodate (vi)Promote social interaction and a fulfilled
population growth; (b) ensuring orderly urban communal life for the residents of Awka and
development by enforcing land use standards and Environs and environs through the provisions and
controls for buildings, roads, drainages, sanitation, equitable distribution of community facilities such
air circulation, pollution control etc to achieve safe as town halls, cinemas, children playground, public
and healthy environment. parks and gardens to meet the recreational needs of
the people.
(v) Achieve environmental sustainability in Awka and
Environs and Satellite towns by 2020 through (a) (vii)Promote good governance of Awka and Environs
VISIONING THE FUTURE
56
56
through provision of the necessary legal, policy and
Box 4.1 MDGs and Targets land use standards and institutional framework for
Goal 1: Eradicate extreme poverty.
efficient administration of planning in the State,
Target 1: Halve between 1990 and 2015 the proportion of Awka and Environs and environs
people whose income is less than $1 a day.
Target 2: Halve between 1990 and 2015, the proportion of
people who suffer hunger.
Goal 2: Achieve universal primary education. (viii)Promote national and global partnerships for
Target 3: Ensure that by 2015, children everywhere, boys the development in Awka and Environs through
and girls alike, will be able to complete full course of primary public-private partnerships, and building on the
schooling. current effort by increasing international cooperation
Goal 3: Promote gender equality and empower women. attracting funds for development from multi-lateral
Target 4: Eliminate gender disparity in primary and secondary
education, preferably by 2005 and in all levels of education no
and bi-lateral organizations to complement the effort
later than 2015. of the State and Local Governments in financing the
Goal 4: Reduce child mortality. different recommendations and proposals of the
Target 5: Reduce by two-thirds, between 1990 and 2015, the Structure Plan
under-five mortality rate.
Goal 5: Improve maternal health.
Target 6: Reduce by three-quarters, between 1990 and 2015 the
maternal mortality rate. (ix)Capacity building through training and
Goal 6: Combat HIV/AIDS among 15-24 year old women. sensitization of key staff and equipping relevant
Target 7: Have halted by 2015 and begun to reverse the spread government agencies at State and Local Government
of HIV/AIDS. levels (including Office of Lands, Survey and Town
Target 8: Have halted by 2015 and begun to reverse the
incidence of malaria and tuberculosis.
Planning, Ministry of Town Planning, Works
Goal 7: Environmental sustainability. and Housing, ANSEPA, ASUDEB as well as staff
Target 9: Integrate the principles of sustainable development relevant agencies), the community and the civil
into country policies and programmes and reverse the loss of society organizations in critical areas of capacity gaps
environmental loss. notably to effectively implement, monitor, evaluate
Target 10: Halve by 2015, the proportion of people without and coordinate the Structure Plan.
sustainable access to safe drinking water.
Target 11: Have achieved by 2020 a significant improvement in
the lives of at least 100 million slum dwellers.
Target 30: Proportion of population with sustainable access to 4.4. URBAN FORM
an improved water source.
Target 31: Proportion of urban population with access to In order to arrive at a preliminary urban form, the
improved housing. following factors are considered;
Goal 8: Develop global partnership for development.
Target 12: Develop further an open, rule-based, predictable, a. Developmental challenges and opportunities within
non-discriminatory trading and non-trading and financial system. the Capital Territory.
Target 13: Address the special needs of the Least Developed
Countries (includes tariff and quota free access for LDC’s exports, b. Goals and Objectives of the plan.
enhanced programme for debt relief for HIPC and cancellation of
official bilateral debt and more generous ODA for committed to c. Development of alternative urban forms against the
poverty reduction): background of certain town planning principles.
13.1: Per capital overseas development assistance to Nigeria.
13.2; Debt service as a percentage of exported goods and d. Evaluation of alternative urban forms and choice
services.
Target 14: Address the special needs of land lock countries,
and recommendation of the preferred option
VISIONING THE FUTURE
57
57
4.4.1. Alternative Urban Forms 4.4.4 Twin City
In order to achieve the most suitable and pragmatic A Twin City connotes a city with two major cores, each
urban form for the Awka Capital Territory, four with its own area of influence and having a discernible
alternatives plans are generated, examined and physical divide (Figure 4.1aa& 4.1b). This concept will
evaluated. enhance the preservation of existing characteristics of
Awka as much as possible. The surrounding settlements
will be upgraded. In order to provide for much desired
4.4.2. Basic Assumptions development, an entirely new central business district
(CBD) will be established north of the Expressway and
In structuring these four alternative forms, certain within the Executive Business District to serve all other
basic assumptions derived from a regional perspective settlements in that area.
are taken into consideration. These include:
The major thrust of this alternative will be to
i. That one can travel from any part of Anambra State provide for special organization of a dual city. In this
to the Awka Capital City in less than an hour. respect, there will be upgraded as a double carriageway
ii. That all the road linkages from the twenty one Local around the present urban area of Awka Umuokpu and
Government headquarters to the Capital Territory Amawbia as well as the recently prepared layouts north
are made motorable all the year round. of the town from other settlements and activities outside
the Territory.
iii. That the proximity and easy accessibility of Onitsha
(the largest market town east of the Niger) and the The proposed ring road as shown in figure runs
muted establishment of an International Market in Northwards from Ifite Awka tangentially to most of the
Nando and cargo airport in Umuleri which are linked recently proposed layouts, namely: Executive Business
to the mega city idea at the outskirts of Onitsha, District, Excellency Layout, Hill Top Layout and
acting as centrifugal forces, will inhibit the growth of others, through Umuokpu to the old Enugu –Onitsha
Awka into a competing regional commercial centre. Road. Its southern loop follows the existing ‘ring road’
after Ikenga Hotel running southwards through Nibo
iv. That the proximity of the industrial town of Nnewi and Nise and then Northwestwards through Enugwu-
together with the growth of small-scale industries Ukwu to the old Enugu –Onitsha Road.
within the surrounding autonomous settlements
including the tendency of indigenes to locate Another tangential route is proposed to follow the
industries in their respective communities, will existing Enugwu- Agidi Road from the Expressway
detract from the growth of Awka as a big industrial Northwards through Nawgu, by passing Isu- Aniocha
centre. to a proposed radial arterial road from Achalla. This
secondary route will also channel traffic from the
proposed development area sandwiched between
4.4.3 The Urban Forms Nawgu and Isu- Aniocha into the radial arterial road
to the CBD.
Based on the foregoing stated assumptions,
four alternative urban forms can be generated and South of the Expressway, the existing Amawbia –Orlu
conceptually illustrated in the figures shown. Road will be widened to double carriageway to serve as a
radial corridor for traffic from Ekwulobia to Amawbia.
i. Twin City Another existing route from the Awka Industrial Layout
will be improved. This will run southwards through
ii. Single Core City Ezinato, Isiagu, Umuawulu and Awgbu to Agulu.
VISIONING THE FUTURE
58
58
A distinctive feature of the plan will be the use of the The present CBD will be expanded, re-developed
Expressway as a major physical divide between the new to accommodate all the services needed by the entire
developments to the north and the older settlements population of the Capital Territory. The massive
to the south. This will entail provision of deep green redevelopment and re-development and re-organization
belts along both sides of the Expressway .However, of the CBD will involve elimination of non-conforming
recent developments along the Expressway have land uses and the conversion of the residential
made provision of deep green belts impossible, unless developments into commercial uses. As in the twin-city,
massive demolition of these buildings is carried out- a a ring road will encircle the urban core. The northern
programme that will be very costly to undertake. In loop of this ring road is tangential to the proposed
effect, the Expressway does not constitute a significant new layouts to the north of the Expressway, while the
physical divide. southern section runs along the existing ‘ring road’
through Nibo and Nise to Enugwu-ukwu. Three radial
The question, however, is whether the Capital corridors are provided to channel traffic into the ring
Territory can sustain a second CBD. As earlier mentioned, road. Two of these are in the South, while one is in the
the proximity to Onitsha (one of the largest market North should be widened as a double carriageway. The
towns in West Africa), the proposed establishment of other will be a new route from Awka to Ajali.
an international Market at the outskirts of Onitsha and
the proximity of Nnewi market, might make a second The Northern Corridor is the existing Awka –Achalla
CBD unviable. Road which should also be dualised. The central thrust
of this plan is that the autonomous communities within
the Capital Territory will loose their individual identities
4.4.5 Single Core City and the majority of movement, from them will be to
the core area for employment and other urban services.
A single core city connotes a city with one centre Traffic at given times will be unidirectional, with its
from which growth radiates towards the periphery. In attendant congestion at peak hours.
our study, the core corresponds with the built- up areas
of Awka and Amawbia. From this centre, growth will The cost of spatial expansion, redevelopment and
take place in concentric zones towards the periphery of re-organization of the CBD will be prohibitive. The
the Capital Territory (Fig. 4.1). dislocation and relocation of indigenous population
within the proposed CBD will entail enormous
The various autonomous settlements are gradually compensation and hardship. There will be resistance,
and systemically engulfed in the wave of Accretion and Government may not have the political will to
within the Territory. pursue the urban programme.
59
59
4.4.6 Multi-Nuclei City The third ring road links Agulu to Awgbu and the
Multi-Nuclei City connotes a city with multiple new development zones to the central easterly radial
centres. The major feature of this plan is that the ‘town- corridor. The general road pattern looks like a spider’s
centre’ of each autonomous community is developed web with the multiple centres at the intersections of the
into a sub-centre to serve its community. Each radial and ring roads.
community thus retains its character and is prevented A labyrinth of inter- connecting green areas
from coalescing with the neighboring community by a surrounding each of the existing settlements and new
surrounding green belt (Figure 4.2). Furthermore, each development areas is provided not only to inhibit
of the new development areas mainly to the north of the coalescence of settlements but also to act as ‘lungs ‘to
Expressway will be provided with its own sub-centre. these settlements. However, this development pattern
An inner ring road will be provided. This is supposed will not have a dominant centre that will serve as a
to divert all through-traffic from the centre of the focus. It may look like an organism without a head.
congested inner zone of the built-up urban area.
On the north of the Expressway, which accommodates 4.4.7. Core-Multi-Nuclei City
the majority of new development blocks, three secondary The core multi-nuclei urban form connotes a central
radial arterial roads are proposed. The central road core with multiple nuclei. When applied to the Awka
follows the existing Achalla Road through Mgbakwu Capital Territory, it suggests an identification and
and Urum to Achalla. The north easterly radial route recognition of a central area and other settlement centres
runs between Ifite Awka and UNIZIK through new as among the main features of the overall development
development zones to the settlements to the north and pattern of the Territory (Fig. 4.3).
beyond. The north westerly radial arterial road follows
the Enugwu- Agidi road to Enugwu-Agidi town and The main features of the plan can be described briefly
then runs northwards to Nagwu and beyond. through the characteristics of its main elements that are
the central core, the complimentary sub-centres and
To the south of the Expressway, four main secondary the surrounding areas as well as the major interlinking
arterial corridors will be established. The South central arterials.
corridor follows the existing Amawbia-Orlu Road and
will be widened into dual carriageway. The southwesterly The central core area is defined as the heavily built-
arterial road will be the dualised old Onitsha-Enugu up parts of Awka, Amawbia and Umuokpu with an
Road while the south easterly radial follows the existing extension into the areas of the Executive Business District
Awka Nibo- Umuawulu-Awgbu route. The fourth and parts of Hill Top and Excellency Layouts. The core
radial, another South- easterly corridor runs along the is clearly marked out by a ‘ring road’ that encircles these
existing Awka-Ezinato- Isiagu axis. two sectors north and south of the Expressway with the
section of the Expressway passing through the core as
Within the Capital Territory, ring roads will be the central spine of the inner city.
established to link the autonomous communities.
Alignment of these roads will mostly follow the existing The southern part of the core is proposed to be re-
routes. To the North of the. Expressway, a ring road organized and the commercial section improved to
emanating from Abagana across the Expressway will sustain the moderate growth that will occur in the area.
be developed to link Nawgu, Mgbakwu, and the areas A few new central services will be tolerated. Although the
along the north eastern boundary of UNIZIK to the area is mainly inhabited by the indigenous population,
expressway. This forms the northern loop of the outer the present density of the population will be maintained
ring road. To the south of the expressway, a ring road by discouraging further increases in residential density.
VISIONING THE FUTURE
following the existing road will be developed to link The excess population should be encouraged to move to
Abagana, NICO, Agulu, Mgbakwu, Umuawulu, the new development areas north of the Expressway.
Geminate and Isiagu through the Eastern boundary of
the existing Awka Industrial Layout northwards, and to
link up with the north- easterly radial route.
60
60
The northern section of the core will be designed to As already stated, besides the radial corridors, a series
accommodate an extension of the CBD. Government of ring roads will be developed to link communities
offices and new urban central uses will be located here. and activities centres. An inner ring road will encircle
The core area should be planned not only to sustain the urban core. The northern loop of this ring road is
urban growth to the north, but also to attract specialized tangential to the proposed new layouts north of the
services from the rest of the Territory. It is envisaged Expressway, namely: the Executives Business Districts,
that all the town centres of each of the autonomous Hill Top and Excellency layouts. The loop will serve as
communities within the Capital Territory should be a by –pass for through – traffic from the centre of the
developed into sub- centres to serve their individual congested inner zone of the built –up urban area. The
communities. Each community should be allowed to southern part of this inner ring road follows the existing
retain its special character. Each settlement should be by –pass from Enugwu –Ukwu through Nise and Nibo,
organized to look inwards for most of its services while northwards to the old Enugu –Onitsha Road, near
the urban core would only offer the major services. Ikenga Hotel.
To achieve this objective a series of radial and ring
roads should be developed for inter-linkages of the An outer ring road will be established to link the
communities within the Territory. other autonomous communities. Alignment of these
roads will mostly follow the existing road. This will
Seven secondary radial road systems should be therefore help to avoid demolitions in the already built
developed. Three of these should be developed north of –up areas. North of the Expressway, the outer ring road
the Expressway. The central radial corridor will follow will start from Abagana and orient north-east-wards,
the existing Achalla Road through Mgbakwu and Urum linking Nawgu, Mgbakwu, Egbeagu, and the areas
to Achalla. A north easterly radial route will run between along the north eastern boundary of Nnamdi Azikiwe
Ifite –Awka and Nnamdi Azikiwe University, through University, and then south eastwards to the Expressway.
the new development zones to the settlements to the South of the Expressway, this outer loop will run
north within the Territory and beyond. The third redial southeastwards from Abagana, linking Nimo, Agulu,
road which runs in a north western direction follows the Mbaukwu, Umuawulu, Ezinato and Isiagu through
Enugwu- Agidi Road to Enugwu- Agidi town, and also the eastern boundary of the existing Awka Industrial
runs northwestwards to Nawgu and beyond. The other Layout and then northwards. It will also link up with
four radial corridors are located south of the Expressway. the north-easterly radial route
The south central radial corridor follows the existing
Amawbia –Orlu Road. This should be dualised. The Like the multi-nuclei alternative, the general road
south westerly radial road should be the old, Onitsha pattern in the core multi-nuclei alternative will look like
–Enugu Road which should also be dualised. The south a spider’s web. A labyrinth of green areas surrounding
easterly radial corridor follows the existing Awka –Nibo each of the existing settlements and new development
Umuawulu –Awgbu route. The fourth, southern radial areas will inhibit coalescence of settlements. In summary,
corridor, which is also south- easterly in direction, runs the core multi-nuclei alternative remedies the pitfalls of
along the existing Awka- Ezinato axis. all the other alternatives. Moreover, it satisfies all the
goals and objectives of the Structure plan.
VISIONING THE FUTURE
61
61
4 .5 EVALUATION OF ALTERNATIVE URBAN
FORMS AND CHOICE OF PREFERRED
OPTION
62
62
Table 4.1: Evaluation of Alternative Urban Forms with respect to attainment of Plan Objectives
A = Advantageous DA – Disadvantageous
63
63
VISIONING THE FUTURE
4.6 POPULATION AND LAND USE The plan also assumes that the income distribution
PROJECTIONS structure will remain unchanged; the Gross Domestic
Product (GDP) will also increase at the same rate as in
Planning must be man-centred. Population the past 10years thus enabling the level of income to
projection is central to long-range land use planning, as increase at that same rate.
all socio-economic man influence land use demands. In
particular, housing provision is a function of population Without taking issues, the plan is based on the past
size. growth trend of 4.5% per annum achieved between
1991 and 2006. The projected population figures are
The plan’s assumption is the existing population based on the composite population of the LGs in the
living in the planning area will growth through natural Planning Area using simple projections from the existing
increase and through migration. figures into the future (Fig 4.5 and Table 4.2).
Fig 4.5: Population for the LGS in Planning Area based on Graphical Projections
3,500,000
3,000,000 Awka S.
2,500,000 Awka N.
Dunukofia
2,000,000
Njikoka
1,500,000
Orumba N.
1,000,000
Anaocha
500,000 Total
0
91
06
15
20
25
30
19
20
20
20
20
20
64
64
Based on the population projection, the land Land needed for transportation by using the
required for commercial use is estimated using a conventional 20% additional land for circulation
number of methods such as the capita space standards, and 15% additional for social infrastructure is the
applied to the population, deriving from facility space operational guide.
requirements. Projections for industrial land use are
not easy for many reasons. Industrial sector is the least With this projection it is envisaged that the population
integrated study of all urban economic activities (Table of the planning will have grown more than four times.
4.3). Estimates of land requirement are usually based on This spell great responsibility on the part of the State
the fact that the share of the Gross Domestic Product and local governments the city authorities need to do
(GDP) contributed by manufacturing will grow the more than they have ever did not only to fill the existing
same rate throughout the plan period as it has in the gaps in provision of essential urban infrastructures but
past years. Standards for land for industries can also to meet the additional needs arising from anticipated
be obtained by comparing existing patterns based on population growth. This will equally call for a more
facilities provided and those needed for manufacturing. commitment to the sustainable management of existing
resources now and throughout the Plan period.
VISIONING THE FUTURE
65
65
5 STRUCTURE PLAN LAND USE PROPOSALS
STRUCTURE PLAN LAND USE PROPOSALS
5.1 IDENTIFIED PRIORITIES AND LAND USE The different priorities identified under the seven
PROPOSALS themes have general as well as specific land use allocation,
policy and legislative implications as shown in Table
One of the benefits of adopting RUSPS is that the 5.1. However, the Structure Plan will be devoted to
data collected are capable of identifying critical issues addressing the specific land use, legislative and policy
of development that can be used to provide city-wide implications of the identified priorities.
responses to address these issues. The land use proposed
in this section has been evidenced based as they are
derived from the profile data. As well as the priorities
agreed at the Consultation held on the various issues.
6666
Table 5.1: Identified Priorities and Implications for Land use Proposals
S/N Thematic Focus Identified Priorities Implications for Policy and Land Uses
1 Shelter and Slums • Update the database for the slum areas. • Upgrade the slums areas of Ifite-Awka and Eke-Awka to
enhance access to water and sanitation and provide for new
• Update population statistics of the shelter. schools, health centres, drainages, shops and business parks
and landscape improvement to accommodate economic and
• Prepare a detailed master plan of Awka Capital
social welfare and environmental sustainability needs of all
Territory for effective developmental control.
especially women traders, small scale and informal sectors.
• To secure tenure.
• Develop urban information systems with databases
• Legalization of slum dwellers providing them with disaggregated by gender and cadastral.
proper housing.
• Formulate and implement slum upgrading plans for the
• Provide and mobilize resources. slums of Awka.
• Funding the income generating projects. • Ensure access to land and secure tenure for slum dwellers.
• Improve and update information updating. • Allocate land for income generating activities such as
commercial, industry, and accommodating the informal
• Capacity building to deal with slum areas sector.
• Proper coordination of the activities. • Participatory approaches and partnership building for land
use planning.
• Support ASESA financially and provide it with essential • Implement land conservation schemes for several erosion
equipment. sites around Ukpor and other sites.
• Encourage private support strategies to affect • Mainstream safety measures into urban management by
development programmes. promoting that all roads are properly lit, all streets are
named and there is availability of cadastral maps for police
• Implement environmental awareness raising to navigate the town for effective surveillance.
programmes for the Territory’s inhabitants.
• Develop and Implement landscape improvement to beautify
• Promote waste recycling programmes to decrease the city, improve health and mitigate the effect of climate
pollution. change and achieve overall amenity in the city.
6767
STRUCTURE PLAN LAND USE PROPOSALS
STRUCTURE PLAN LAND USE PROPOSALS
6868
Table 5.1: Identified Priorities and Implications for Land use Proposals
S/N Thematic Focus Identified Priorities Implications for Policy and Land Uses
• Organize and encourage tree planting to check • Incorporate governance and gender principles into
erosion. environmental and land use planning including capacity
building for State, Local Government, Zonal Agencies for
• Build roadside drains. resource mobilization, transparency and accountability and
participatory approaches to development.
• Implement faithfully the National Health Policy in • Create diamond intersections along the international Lagos-
Anambra State Onitsha-Enugu highway to link north and south Awka
• Undertake a comprehensive health sector reform for • Link Awka with National rail lines and create warehouses for
effective, efficient and qualitative health services to storage of manufactured goods
the people of Awka and the State at large.
6969
STRUCTURE PLAN LAND USE PROPOSALS
STRUCTURE PLAN LAND USE PROPOSALS
7070
Table 5.1: Identified Priorities and Implications for Land use Proposals
S/N Thematic Focus Identified Priorities Implications for Policy and Land Uses
5 Local economic Organize and promote a crafts / gift industry. Re-organize industrial land use and the separation of heavy in-
development dustries from residential areas and create new industrial estates
Invest in agro- processing industries to exploit the rich to attract these industries.
agric lands surrounding the capital.
Create business parks for the small and medium and the infor-
mal sector
Harness donor funds and DFI and utilize this to for capacity
building and funding of urban infrastructural development.
1 See World Bank (2006): Direction in Development: Thirty Years of World Bank
Shelter Lending: What we have leaned. Eds. Robert M. Buckley and Jerry Kalarickal,
World Bank Washington.
7171
Box 5.1: Community Participation as key to success of Slum Upgrading Projects
Most successful sites and services demonstrated how participation eventually force.
and urban planning projects relied on led to well developed communities with a In Indonesia: The Kampong Improvement
community participation as shown by the strong sense of belonging. Programme is one of the largest slum
following best practices Angola: In Angola, a striking example upgrading projects to be undertaken
of ownership and empowerment took and among the best in terms of urban
Nigeria: Olaleye-Iponrin, Lagos involved place during the preparation of the poverty relief. It started as an indigenous
the Lagos State, Mainland Local Lobito Benguela Urban Environmental initiative that was supported by several
Government and UNICEF was adjudged Rehabilitation Project in 1990. The simple World Bank Projects but retained a strong
a success because it was fashioned on introduction of know-how in building sense of local decision-making and local
slum upgrading concept that would have latrine covers spawned a local industry construction methods. Several factor
adversely affected 200,000 families had based on local resources that produced 2, contributed to the success which include (i)
total clearance been undertaken. It was 00 covers before the loan was even signed. local ownership built on long tradition of
participatory and contributed to improving Asia; In Asia, the Tondo Foreshore Project mutual aid and self-help; (ii)strong political
the lives of the people without disrupting involved the community in both slum support; (iii) multi-disciplinary team which
their social set-up. upgrading and sites and services projects; replicated the project following strict
El Salvador: In El Salvador, the sites the community was empowered and thus design, engineering and cost standards.
and services project with FUNDASAL, developed into a strong local political
5.3.3 Development of Existing Estates the Executive Business Districts should be reorganized as
In order to solve the current housing inadequacies neighborhoods and should be opened up for immediate
in Awka efforts should be made to embark on development. The streets should be well designed, wide
implementation of those layouts which are hitherto not and provisions made for pedestrian paths.
implemented. Those layouts immediately surrounding
7272
Table 5.2: Approved Estates in Awka Capital Territory and Environs
for Comprehensive Development
Town New Layouts Type Density
AMAWBIA Umueri Ezimezi Village Residential Medium/Low
Umueze Planning Scheme Residential Medium/Low
Adabebe Residential Medium/Low
Umukabia Residential Medium/Low
New Era Residential High
New Town i.e. (Highland, Hilltop, (yet to take off)
Urunu and Excellency neighborhood
Trans Obibia Enugwu-Agidi (yet to take off)
AMANSEA Sugar land Residential Medium/high
Amania Residential Medium/high
Umuenugwu Ebeagu Residential High
Umuagu- Ulu garden Phase 1 (yet to take off)
Okukwa
Ofia ofulu Okwukwa (yet to take off)
Federal Site and services (yet to take off)
NIBO Urungwu Estate G.R.A Residential Medium/Low
Ugwuabibia Estate GRA Residential Medium/Low
OKPUNO Agu-Achi Residential Medium/high
Odadi Residential High
Kamali Homes Phase 1& 1V Residential Medium/high
MGBAKWU Federal Youth centre (yet to take off)
ISIAGU Offia Ezu Residential Medium/Low
Police Headquarters Offices/ Residential Mixed
Orient Petroleum Headquarters Offices/ Residential Mixed
Satellite Town Residential Mixed STRUCTURE PLAN LAND USE PROPOSALS
NAWFIA Liberation Estate (between Nawfia Residential Mixed
and Enugwu- Agidi
7373
Table 5.3: Proposed Land Use Standards
S/N Proposed Land use Approximate Area per 100 hectares Percentage of Total Remark
1 Residential 60 – 66 60 – 66
2 Commercial 4.5 – 5.0 4.5 – 5.0
3 Industries – Large, Medium and 5.0 – 5.5 5.0 – 5.5
Small
4 Public and Semi Public 10.0 – 10.5 10.0 – 10.5
5 Parks and Open Spaces 2.5 – 3.0 2.5 – 3.0
6 Roads 10.2 - 10.5 10.2 – 10.5
Source: Town Planning Land use Allocation Standard.
The private sector is a major provider of housing The identified constraint to housing provision in
providing 84% of the housing stock. The private sector Structure plan is more of securing finance than land.
offers many freedoms in housing but usually for owner- Other constraints include land use standard for public
occupation. Therefore, the role of private sector is housing, which if rigidly applied may limit choice of
expected to continue to be dominant in implementing housing. There is need to find a lasting solution to
the proposal for housing in the structure plan. securing finance not only for housing but other land
use proposals.
It is proposed that:
(i) Government should create the enabling environment
for private sector’s participation in the provision of 5.4 LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
infrastructure in the existing and proposed housing
layouts through the Build, Transfer and Own
5.4.1 Industrial Land use
concept.
To complement the existing Agu-Awka Industrial
(ii) Adopting and enforcing a new Bye-law for Layout a new one has been proposed at Nwagu. Heavy
development control. industries should be moved to the new industrial estate
while only few of the already existing light industries
(iii) Participatory approaches should be adopted in should be retained at Agu-Awka. This is to ensure
needs definition and formulating the housing plan sustainable environmental protection for the Capital
design and construction.
STRUCTURE PLAN LAND USE PROPOSALS
Territory environment.
(iv) House ownership strategy should enable owners Sites for Carving/Blacksmithing industries are
to easily change their tenure arrangements as their proposed for Amawbia and Awka respectively to
conditions, needs, resources and preference change. preserve the people’s heritage. Carving industries at
(v) 60% home ownership to be achieved. Amawbia should be resuscitated in the old site, while
blacksmithing should be located at a convenient/
(vi)Housing to be provided should be of high quality, strategic/accessible point in the old Awka.
satisfying variety of needs and, attractive to all
income groups.
5.4.2 Offices and Commercial uses
(vii)Housing estates should be designed adopting the
‘Neighbourhood Concept’, as a self-contained The Executive Business District is the major
unit, providing for a hierarchy of road, essential commercial centre in the core area of Awka. It is designed
services and facilities e.g. primary and nursery to host the headquarters’ offices of major companies
schools shopping plaza, clinic, community halls and and businesses such as the Central Bank. The Three
recreational parks. Arms Complex comprising Governors Office, House of
Assembly and High Court Complex are already located
(viii)Locating a shop of sorts within walking distance of here. So also are the Civil Service Secretariat and the
most homes in the city and many work places. Federal Secretariat.
7474
It is proposed to rehabilitate Eke Awka and Nkwo International Conference Centre is proposed for
Amaenyi in Awka and the Amawbia Market to enhance the Executive Business District. A State of the Art
their commercial and economic value. Since the Conference Center with ultra-modern audio- visual
Executive Business District is the major commercial area facilities, spacious halls, ample parking etc is highly
in Awka, the Government should complete payment of recommended. This should be preferably located at
compensation on it. the Executive Business District around the Three Arms
Complex. At least two and half hectares should be
reserved for this. A Hall of Fame where illustrious sons
5.4.3 Informal Sector and daughters of the State are honored is an integral
part of this center. Advocacy and empowerment/ skill
The informal sector consists of hawkers, petty acquisition centres are proposed for the various Local
traders, artisans, mechanics, shoe shiners, etc. The Government headquarters.
Profile study showed that both the unemployed and
the informal sector have stared organizing themselves to
undertake formal business. By so doing, it is anticipated
that the informal sector will be decrease during the plan 5.6 RECREATIONAL OPEN SPACE/ TOURISM/
period. The Structure Plan hopes to sustain this effort CULTURAL LAND USE
by creating for the informal sector conducive working In addition to the Ekwueme Square in the Executive
environment such as business parks and incubators, Business District, each residential neighbourhood
shops etc to leap out of poverty. Relevant Government should be provided with a large, well-landscaped park
agencies extending to the unemployed and small scale equipped with indoor and outdoor recreational facilities.
will be encouraged to key into this policy to ensure In the older portion of Awka, the Ogbugbankwa open
that the informal sector receive the required assistance space should be given landscape improvement and
required. equipped with seating and recreational facilities. Dike
It is recommended that: Park should be restored to its old status as a park and
the illegal structures on it demolished to make the
• Working spaces for the informal sector should be space available to the public for their relaxation. Other
provided in the Activity Centers and away from the existing open spaces in the heart of the old Awka should
city core. be improved upon.
• Government authorities should review their On tourism we recommend the expansion,
stipulated rates, charges, stall size and requirements furnishing and up-dating of the Nri Museum as a
for business establishments in order to make them standard museum befitting Anambra State. Agulu Lake
should be a comprehensive tourists resort with boating/
• Government should formulate a set of incentives fishing/lodging etc facilities. The Tower of Light
relevant to both the formal and informal sector. signifying Anambra State as the Light of the Nation
should be sited at the junction of the expressway and STRUCTURE PLAN LAND USE PROPOSALS
the dual carriage way leading to Ekwueme Square. A
5.5 INSTITUTIONAL AND COMMUNITY solar powered –lamp atop the tower must shine day and
FACILITIES. night forever. Likewise the structure at Amawbia bypass
roundabout should be improved and enriched. Befitting
Institutional and community facilities, including monuments are to be erected on the major entries into
land use for administrative, educational and health the State and the Capital Territory.
facilities, are already in place in the Awka Capital
Territory; but should be improved upon and adequately
equipped and standardized for optimum output. 5.7. BASIC URBAN SERVICES
The Planning Authority in charge of implementing To address the poor and inadequate provision for
the Structure Plan for the Territory should enter into basic urban services in Awka Capital Territory and
partnership with stakeholders in the 24 communities in environs the following proposal are made.
the Territory in this regard. Aggressive advocacy towards
recapturing boys back to school in order to reduce the
low male enrolment in schools. In –built accountability/
transparency mechanisms should be infused in the
government offices.
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5.7.1 Educational Facilities 5.7.4.2 Provision of Radial Roads
An assessment of the equitable distribution and Apart from the ring roads 7 secondary radials roads
provision of primary and secondary schools should be system will be developed and improved upon. North of
done to correct any imbalance in their provision. The the expressway are three of them, namely, Arthur Eze-
educational institutions require equipment, standard Mgbakwu – Urum road which includes Achalla road,
libraries etc and academic and non academic staff; Amawbia –Enugwu Agidi, Nwagu road, and Aroma
for effective teaching and learning. It is, therefore, junction –Ifite Amansea road. South of the expressway,
recommended to equip both old and the new primary are the following; Amawbia-Ekwulobia –Oslo road,
and Secondary schools with modern teaching and Amawbia –Nibo –Umuawulu road, Awka –Isiagu
learning equipment and well staffed for efficiency. road, Old –Enugu- Onitsha road. Both the ring roads
and the radial roads are to be dualized. State and local
governments should liaise with the various communities
5.7.2 Health Facilities to identify important roads that require immediate
attention.
The provision of new health facilities should be related
to the distribution of population for easy access. All of Fig 5.2 speculates on some of the pedestrian bridges
these should be well-equipped and provided with special to be built that will enhance inking the north and
maternity facilities and staff. Health establishments are south parts of the city as well as the several diamond
recommended to be properly equipped and staffed to interchanges proposed to achieve a unified, efficient and
improve on the life expectancy of the people. function city.
The image of Awka is presently dreary and needs a
5.7.3 Water Supply good dosage of urban design to project the potential
good images of a vibrant capital city that can hardly
The European Union assisted water scheme for the be seen now. Both the State and Local Governments in
Capital Territory should be sustained and encouraged the Planning Area should determined to give the city a
to spread to other parts of the State in addition to ‘makeover’ through landscape renewal that will ensure
installation of functional boreholes as promised by the that all roads are properly developed, provided with
government. paved walkways, lit and planted with ornamental and
shade trees. In addition, all incidental and designated
open spaces, all the frontages and backyards of private
5.7.4 Transportation proposals and public buildings in the city should be given a
modicum of landscape treatment. By so doing, it will
5.74.1 Two Ring Roads of Awka contribute to reducing the ecological foot prints as well
as the aesthetic and functional appeals of Awka. The first
Two ring roads (one inner and the other outer) should starting point is for the State Government to landscape
STRUCTURE PLAN LAND USE PROPOSALS
be developed to link communities and activities centers. length of the Onitsha-Enugu –Expressway from the
The inner ring road loop will encircle the urban core; point it enters the city to its exit point. Travelers and
the Northern loop will serve as a by-pass for through tourists on this road get the first but bad impression
traffic from the center of the congested built –up urban of a burgeoning capacity as one that is dirty, ugly and
area. The Southern part of this inner ring road will as filled with filth. The State Government may have to
much as possible, follow the existing road, namely, the impress on the federal Government to cost-share the
existing by-pass from Enugwu-Ukwu through Nise cost of landscaping this stretch of the Expressway. Any
and Nibo northwards to the Enugu-Onitsha road near investment in this project is worth the while after all
Ikenga hotel. decency is no pride
The outer ring road will also mostly follow the
existing road. North of the expressway, this outer loop
links Nwagu with Mgbakwu to Amansea, southwards
to the expressway. South of the expressway, this outer
loop will run southeastwards from Nwagu to Abagana,
linking Nimo, Adazi Nnukwu, Agulu, Mbaukwu,
Agbu through Umuawulu to Isiagu and northwards to
the expressway.
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5.7.4.3 Intra-city Mass Transit System The Planning Authority should enforce strict
To address the traffic situation in the urban core-area, parking standards for offices, shopping plazas, churches,
which is not adequately organized, it is recommended mosques, hotels, restaurants, bars and eateries.
that government should without delay initiate an
intra-city mass transit system be it buses or taxis.
Government should also encourage private sector –led 5.7.4.7 Mechanic Village
development/initiation of decent taxi service system To prevent proliferation of unorganized mechanic
for the capital territory, Government should, plan for workshops Awka, the Plan recommends a site for
rail transport. Traffic nodes/collection points should mechanic shop at Ozubulu along Onitha-Enugu
be clearly designated along chosen routes which should Express Road. This will be developed as a comprehensive
have pedestrian walk ways. mechanic village and a craft center to accommodate all
mechanics when fully developed.
Thus adequate transportation facilities e.g. adequate
taxi services, adequate bus routes etc, are recommended.
Providing reliable and safe decent taxi service system is 5.7.5 Abattoir
very necessary for visitors to the State.
The existing Kwata abattoir should be improved
upon and modernized and a new abattoir located in
5.7.4.4 Provision of Motor parks Agu-Awka along the road leading to Ndiora settlement.
Street naming and numbering should be given priority
The motor parks in Eke- Awka and Eke-Amawbia implementation for proper identification and location
should be relocated – the one in Awka to Agu-Awka in of places.
the open area opposite the ring road from Isiagu-and the
Amawbia park further south along the Ekwulobia road
to the abandoned cattle market. The UNIZIK Motor 5.7.6 Petrol Stations
Park should be moved south along the expressway to the
open land opposite the Timber shed in Umuokpu. This Many petrol stations in the project area are poorly
will decongest traffic along the major roads and help located, close to high activity areas and lack the
to restore order in the environment. Three mechanic stipulated floor space for parking, turning, offloading,
villages should be located alongside the three motor etc. it is recommended that.
parks.
• A minimum front setback of 15meters from service
roads must be enforced throughout the urban area
5.7.4.5 Regulation of the Movement of Okada and a minimum of 30meters along all orbital/
peripheral or expressways.
Motorcycle (Okada) should not be allowed along
the expressway and the Nnamdi Azikiwe Avenue. • More stringent measures to be applied to the location
of filing stations.
STRUCTURE PLAN LAND USE PROPOSALS
These measures will sanitize the traffic situation in the
Territory. With the exception of Achalla road express
junction, all other major crossings within the express • A minimum length of 50meters and width of
way should be equipped with flyovers. 30meters be upheld by filling stations.
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5.8 ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY this will help to provide employment. A public cemetery
is proposed to be sited adjacent to the land fill site off
Enugwu-Agidi, Isianiocha road.
5.8.1 Erosion Control
More sustained efforts at erosion control across
the Territory are recommended. Massive planting of 5.8.5 Control of Noise Pollution
trees in erosion-prone areas in particular and The uncontrolled noise made by music dealers and
throughout the Territory in general will help. Town Pentecostal churches should be seriously checked.
planning standards should be vigorously enforced
so as to ensure orderly development. Environmental
monitors should be trained and sent into the field to 5.8.5 Recreational facilities
educate and enforce environmental standards. Before
then, Government should embark on serious public Appropriate sporting facilities should be provided
enlightenment campaign down to the grassroots to in other parts of the core area apart from those in the
create environmental awareness. stadium. The State Government should give support
to the proposals of the Awka South Local Chairman
in developing other sporting facilities such as tennis
5.8.2 Control of indiscriminate Quarrying courts, squash courts, swimming pools etc.
and Sand and Gravel extractions
Social facilities for leisure, recreation and play are
The Ministry of Environment should control all completely absent. Therefore open spaces, stadium,
mining and quarrying activities involving stones and museum and tourist attractions are proposed. Parks/open
latterite in the Territory. Failure to do this will worsen spaces should be provided. Business people Government
the degradation of the environment and increase should fast-track action on the new stadium.
erosion.
Refuse collection and disposal should be improved
upon. All these measures will help to improve the 5.9 SETTLEMENT POLICY
quality of the environment. Structure plans should be prepared in the first instance
for the three growth points namely, Isiagu, Mgbakwu,
and Nwagu and later for the rest of the communities
5.8.3 Drainage and Street Lighting in the Capital Territory as a way of forestalling the
continued organic growth of the communities.
Streets of the Capital Territory in most cases are not
properly drained of runoffs. Thus adequate provisions
of drains along roads are proposed. Also street lighting
from Nawfia to Agu-Awka and on the ring roads are 5.10 GREEN BELT
STRUCTURE PLAN LAND USE PROPOSALS
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6 IMPLEMENTATION ARRANGMENTS
6.1 NEED TO ADOPT SUSTAINABLE and the pursuit of this aim as a proactive strategic
DEVELOPMENT PARADIGM priority of Governments; and
If Awka and environs are well planned coupled with (iii)Holistic and integrated approach to promoting
responsible use of natural resources, it will go a long sustainable development: transition to a completely
way to enhance the drive of the state toward sustainable new development paradigm on the part of societies
economic growth, Conversely, the failure to consider and Governments, whereby civil society, all
environmental issues in taking development decisions institutions and individuals and the State decide to
can undermine current efforts to enhance the quality of actively seek new forms of sustainable development.
life, which endorses the need to adopt the sustainable
development paradigm. In the first scenario, the proportion of resources
allocated to the environment is small and fluctuates
IMPLEMENTATION ARRANGMENTS
Towards achieving environmental sustainability, constantly in accordance with the economic conditions
the United Nations Environment Programme Global as dictated by the market. In general this development
Scenario Group in their evaluation of global practices paradigm has not been able to halt, much less reverse
found out that development practitioners have adopted environmental degradation that accompany economic
three scenarios to promoting sustainable development growth.
with varying results. These scenarios include:
In the second scenario, emphasis is still placed on
(i) Pursuit of economic growth: Practitioners continue economic growth, but with the possibility of linking
to emphasis on development through globalization- this with policies for alleviating poverty, inequity and
driven economic growth, with little attention to environmental degradation, among other sustainability
other aspects of development; issues. Although environmental management is an
overarching concern addressed through cross-sectoral
(ii) Guiding promotion of economic growth through policies, but it has not been enough to eradicate
policies: the emergence of the political will to poverty or provide for the environmentally sustainable
constrain and guide growth through sustainability integration of these populations.
policies, in accordance with the targets for Goal 7,
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(iii)Promote general as well as specific capacity building
programme in the different thematic focus to fill the
In the third and last scenario, emphasis is on “great identified gaps and empower the various agencies to
transitions” towards achieving sustainable development. discharge their roles.
There is a conscious and focused effort to promote
environmental sustainability. Reforms for integrating a (iv)Adopt a result oriented financial strategy to
sustainable development perspective into public policies mobilizing adequate resources to implement the plan,
are more radical and tangible, leading to more profound drawing on a range of sources of funding including
changes that would make sustainable development annual budgets, mobilization of funds from donors,
attainable at the local, national, regional and global utilizing PPP, using the capital market to mobilize
levels. National and international laws and institutions funds and encourage community funds through
would be designed to enhance inter-generational cooperative, and micro-finance mechanisms.
social justice, increase equity in all areas and produce
economic and social transformations that would keep (v) Adopt a result based management (RBM) to
all unsustainable lifestyles or forms of production in scheduling activities, implement, and monitor and
check and would reverse the damage already done to review the structure plan.
the environment. Such a transformation would require
a sharp and continuous increase in resources and
rapid improvements in economic, financial and fiscal 6.3 NEW LEGAL AND INSTITUTIONAL
instruments for promoting these practices, as well as FRAMEWORKS
the further development of institutions for guiding and
encouraging these changes in increasingly democratic,
participatory and communal ways. 6.3.1 New Urban and Regional Planning
Law for Anambra State
The UNEP Group asserts that the first and second
scenarios do not easily lend to achieving the goal of Both the existing legal and institutional frameworks
environmental sustainability. According to the UNEP for planning in the State cannot cope with the
Group, it is only by adopting the third scenario implementation of the Structure Plan. For instance
involving making radical great strides can the goal of the legal framework for planning in the State is the
environmental sustainability be achieved. old one inherited from the defunct Anambra State in
1991. Many States in Nigeria have adopted the new
Going by the above scenarios, it is obvious that the legislation based on the Urban and Regional Planning
development scenario of Anambra State as well as many Law of 1992. The Anambra State Government is
states in the country fits neatly into the first scenario. expected to pass a new law based on operative national
The goal is for Anambra State and many other states in legislation as a State Planning Law for it to be operative
the country to quickly transit from the first scenario and in the State. The proposed Planning Law shall be
works towards adopting the third scenario, to achieve called Anambra State Urban and Regional Planning
environmental sustainability. Law, which should incorporate the essential elements
of the Urban and Regional Planning Law 1992, and
the recently approved National Building Code (2006).
IMPLEMENTATION ARRANGMENTS
6.2 IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY The proposed Law is expected to modify the existing
Anambra State Urban Development Board Edict No. 6
The recommended implementation strategies for the of 1988 and resolve all issues militating against smooth
Structure Plans undertaken in Anambra State include planning administration in the State to successfully
to: decentralize planning administration to local and urban
levels.
(i) Adopt an integrated and participatory approaches to
land use planning, land use allocation, architectural
design and redesign, development redevelopment
and maintenance for priority projects identified for
the thematic areas.
(ii) Promote institutional, policy, legal and land use
standard reforms required to successfully implement
the structure plan by setting up new and improved
structures and processes.
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6.3.2 Establishment of State 6.3.3 Establishment of Awka
Physical Planning Board and Environs Planning Authority
The Profile study showed that nearly all the various It is recommended to set-up Awka and Environs
institutions exhibited one capacity gap or the other in Planning Authority for the implementation of
carrying out their functions. Experts foresaw the need the provisions of the Structure Plan at the Local
for establishing a new institutional framework for Government level (in the case for Awka and Environs
physical planning in the State. South). The new Planning Law should of force pave the
way of setting-up of Planning Authority at the Local
It is proposed to establish the State Physical Planning Government level in the State).
Board. Figure 6.1 shows the organogram of the proposed
institutional framework proposed for the implementation The details of the structure and operation of the
of the Structure Plan. The Town Planning Department, Planning Authority will be contained in the proposed
under the control of the Ministry of Lands Survey and new planning law. This new law must provide for the
Town Planning, will provide oversight functions in the structure, organization and functions of the various
implementation of the Structure Plans, by providing departments and section. The new law should provide
policy direction and advisory roles to government on for the establishing of Trust Funds for each LGs in the
town planning matters. State for resource mobilization for the implementation
of structure plans. The same law should provide for
The proposed State Physical Planning Board will collection of payments of betterment levies on properties
replace the existing Anambra State Urban Development whose values have been enhanced as a result of planning
Board (ASUDEB). The new Physical Planning schemes and compensation on acquired lands.
Board should be established to have the following
departments:
6.3.4 Establishment of Structure
• General Administration. Plan Implementation Committees
• Development Control. The process of formulating the Structure plan
necessitated adopting both integrated and participatory
• Project Monitoring and Evaluation. approaches to development planning because many
• Planning Information. stakeholders and sectors of development are involved
in urban planning, development and management.
• Urban Renewal At the implementation stage, the Structure Plan also
demands an integrated approach more than ever before
• Rural Panning. for it to be fully implemented with impacts. Adopting
integrated and participatory approaches have the added
• Urban Planning. advantage of achieving complimentary roles and cross-
• Open Spaces and Recreation. fertilization of ideas by the different stakeholders and the
pooling together of their scarce resources to implement
• Resource Mobilization. the different proposals in an efficient and cost-effective
IMPLEMENTATION ARRANGMENTS
way.
• Regional Planning, each with appropriate
professional divisions The Institutional framework proposed for
implementing the structure plan will involve establishing
Each of these departments should be manned by a an integrated approach and a process for effective
Director (Town Planning) while the Board is under the participation of all Ministries and their relevant
charge of a Commissioner. This is close to the Federal departments, all Departments of Local Governments,
Capital Development System, which operates at the Civil society organizations and the NGOs, CBOs and
Federal Capital Territory. Under this arrangement, the the organized private sector.
entire state may be effectively planned and controlled as
a PLANNING AREA. The following Programme Implementation
Committees and Technical Working Groups (TWG)
are proposed;
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6.3.4.1 Structure Plan Finance and Policy - Office of Lands, Survey and Town Planning.
Committee
- Local Government Service Commission.
The implementation of the Structure plan will not
be business as usual. To successfully implement the - Office of the Head of Service.
Structure plan will require the highest political and
legislative commitment as much as the support of the - Office of the Secretary to the State Government.
grassroots. It is proposed to establish Structure Plan
Finance Approval Committee to be chaired by the - Auditor General State.
Executive Governor of Anambra State. Other members - Auditor General Local Government.
include the following:
This Committee will meet twice in the year to
Deputy Governor of Anambra State. approve Budget, give policy directives and review
Representative of the Budget Committee of Anambra and approve Annual Progress Report of the Project.
State House of Assembly. Office of the Secretary to the State Government will
be the Secretary to the Committee supported by the
Hon. Commissioners for the following Ministries: Honourable Commissioner for Office of Lands, Survey
and Town Planning as the custodian of the Structure
- Agriculture and natural resources. Plan Project.
- Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism.
- Education. 6.3.4.2 Inter-Ministerial and Governmental
Programme Implementation Committee
- Finance and Budget. The various issues articulated in the structure plans
- Health. cut across ministries and the two tier governments.
Towards achieving inclusiveness in the implementation
- Information and Culture. of the plan, it is proposed to set-up an Inter-Ministerial
and inter-governmental PIC which report to the PIC.
- Justice. This Committee will be chaired by the Honourable
Commissioner for Office of Lands, Survey and Town
- Works, Housing and Transport. Planning. Other members include the following:
- Youth and Sports. - The permanent Secretary Office for Lands, Survey
- Environment and Solid Minerals. and Town Planning
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Fig 6.1: Proposed Institutional Structure for Implementing the Structure Plan
STATE LEVEL
PROGRAMME State Government
IMPLEMENTATION Min of Lands, Survey & Town Planning
COMMITTEE Town Planning Department
IMPLEMENTATION ARRANGMENTS
TWG1 – LAND USE PLANNING, TWG2-ENVIRONMENT; TWG3 –HEALTH, TWG4 – EDUCATION; TWG5 – GENDER;
TWG6 – GOVERNANCE; TWG7 – WORKS, HOUSING & TRANSPSORT; TWG8 – COMMERCE, INDUSTRY & TOURISM
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Directors from Relevant Departments of the following TWG1 – LAND USE PLANNING,
Ministries:
TWG2 – ENVIRONMENT
• Agriculture and natural resources.
TWG3 – HEALTH,
• Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism
TWG4 – EDUCATION;
• Education
TWG5 – GENDER;
• Finance and Budget
TWG6 – GOVERNANCE;
• Health
TWG7 – WORKS, HOUSING AND
• Information and Culture TRANSPORT;
• Justice TWG8 – COMMERCE, INDUSTRY
AND TOURISM
• Works, Housing and Transport
• Youth and Sports
6.4 INTERIM IMPLEMENTATION
• Environment and Solid Minerals ARRANGEMENTS
• Women Affairs and Social Development
6.4.1 Appointment of Chief Technical
• Economic Planning and Development Adviser and Programme Officers
The Chairmen from the Local Governments in the This will take time to material and the best option
Structure Plan Area is to work at this as part of the implementation of the
plan and hoped that this new statue can be in place
Directors from the following Departments of LGs. within the next 2-3 years. Therefore, we need to put in
• Education place structure for implementing the Plan on interim
basis while we work towards establishing a more radical
• Health institutional and legal reform for urban planning and
management in Anambra State.
• Works and Transport
It is therefore proposed to appoint a Chief Technical
Representatives of the Organized Private Sector Adviser (CTA) in the overall management of the
Structure plan projects for the three cities of Awka,
Representative of the Community Awka and Environs and Onitsha. The CTA will be
attached to ASUDEB. His role will be to trouble-shoot
Representative of NGOs. in all matters of implementation to ensure that all the
IMPLEMENTATION ARRANGMENTS
This Committee will meet quarterly to consider work planned outputs are delivered as scheduled.
plans and approve work plan and review programme. The responsibilities of the CTA will include:
The Committee will also provide annual budget
estimates to be considered by the Finance and Policy - Providing advisory, technical and managerial
Committee. supports to ASUDEB and Office of Lands, Survey
and Town Planning in the implementation of the
Structure Plans;
6.3.4.3 Establishment of Technical
Working Groups - Work Planning
At the Project level, there will be 8 technical Working - Project Monitoring and Evaluation
Groups to be set-up to work on the technical day-today
implementation of the different project activities. These - Preparing Quarterly and Annual Project Progress
TWG include the following: Reports
- Financial Planning working with the Ministry.
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- Work with the Ministry to prepare all the necessary 6.5 PHASING PLAN
documentation for the consideration of PIC and
Programme Finance and Policy Committee. The Awka and Environs Structure Plan, as a long
range plan covering a 20-year period, required that the
The CTA will be assisted by the appointment of a various land use proposals be implemented in phases as
Programme officer each for Awka and Environs, Awka shown below.
and Onitsha. The Programme Officers will work in active
collaboration to facilitate the smooth implementation
of project a the urban level the Programme Officers will 6.5.1 Planned Implementation of Action
be attached to the ASUDEB Zonal Offices at Awka and Plans Jan-December 2009
Environs, Awka and Onitsha, The responsibilities of the Structure plan is a broad policy framework upon
Programme officers will be to coordinate the activities which detailed actions can be made. The Structure plan
of the Working Groups for the delivery of the outputs. has been able to identify several action plans that must
This structure is meant to be in place for the first be undertaken in 2009 to set a good foundation for its
three-years by which time it is anticipated that the fruitful implementation.
Office of Lands Survey and Town Planning and the
new administrative structure for urban planning and
management involving the restructuring ASUDEB
and Zonal Offices to create the State Physical Planning
Board and decentralize planning functions at the Local
Government level would have been put in place.
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Table 6.2: Phasing of Action Planning 2009
Projects IST QRT 2ND QTR 3RD QTR 4TH QRT
Industrial Layouts for Awka, Nawgwu and Amawbia. X
Slum Upgrading for Ifite area and around the Eke Awka area. X
Provision for Expansion and Improvement of Health Facilities: Equip, X
modernize and Staff hospitals.
Expansion Plan for Educational Facilities both primary and Secondary X
Schools.
Executive Business District X
Rhabilitation of Eke –Awka and Nkwo Amaenyi markets. X
Plan for Motor Parks for Awka, Isiagu., Amabia, UNIZIK and along X
Umuokpu
Open space proposed in all neighborhoods in the Capital Territory. X
Ogbugba Nkwa to be equipped and planned. X
Restoration Plan for Dike Park. X
Plan for Dualization /Construction for Inner Ring Road, Outer Ring X X
Road and Radial Roads, Bye-Pass for Nawfia., Flyovers on Express ways
in Awka
Construction of railway line from Owerri, Nnewi through Onitsha, X
Awka to Enugu.
Street Lighting for all Urban Roads X
Plan for Beautification of Awka including traffic lights and landscap- X
ing, erection of monuments
Provision of adequate Taxi services and bus routes. X
Develop Museum at Nri- Agukwu and promotion of other tourist at- X
tractions including Agulu, Awka, Amawbia and Abagna
Rehabilitation Plan for Water Supply to Awka and Environs X
Solid Waste Management Plan for Awka and Environs, including the X
design and construction of and management of proposed waste
disposal site at Nise off Amawbia-Ekwulobia Road and waste recycling.
Plan for Erosion Control in Awka and Environs X
IMPLEMENTATION ARRANGMENTS
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6.5.2 Policy Reforms 2009-2010
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Table 6.4: Phasing of Action Planning 2009
Projects 2010 2015 2020 2025
2014 2019 2024 2027
Plan for Beautification of Awka including traffic lights X X X X
and landscaping, erection of monuments
Provision of adequate Taxi services and bus routes. X
Develop Museum at Nri- Agukwu and promotion of X
other tourist attractions including Agulu, Awka, Amaw-
bia and Abagna
Rehabilitation Plan for Water Supply to Awka and Envi- X
rons
Solid Waste Management Plan for Awka and Environs, X
including the design and construction of and
management of proposed waste disposal site at Nise off
Amawbia-Ekwulobia Road and waste recycling.
Plan for Erosion Control in Awka and Environs X
Modern abattoirs at Kwata and on the road to Ndiora. X
Develop and Implement Plan for Street naming and X
numbering.
Financing and Development of the 38 or more Approved X X X
Layouts including the Staff Housing for UNIZIK Campus.
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6.7 FINANCIAL OUTLAY There is need to involve the community in making
their own tangible contribution to the projects. If the
It is essential that long-range physical planning should community is sufficiently mobilized they may be able
be accompanied simultaneously by fiscal planning for to pay as much as 10% of targeted project cost for their
its realization. By so doing the structure plan will not area.
be a bottom-drawer plan that is not implemented for
lack of funds. (ii) Public-Private Partnerships: Another strategy is
the promotion of public-private partnerships in the
The costs involved in the implementation of the funding of the proposed projects in the Structure
different proposals are enormous. It is estimated by plan. For PPP to work, Government should
the consultants that the total outlay of the Awka and provide the enabling environment for private sector
Environs Structure Plan during the period of twenty to contribute financially and be involved in the
years is about N375 billion. The next stage is to carry management of the schemes proposed in this plan.
out a detailed investment requirement of the financial Since provision of infrastructure is involved, it is
resources for implementing the structure plan with necessary to involve the Urban Development Bank
strategy firmed up for effective mobilization of funds of Nigeria (UDBN) and Federal Mortgage Bank of
from all possible sources as identified below. Nigeria (FMBN) as well as al the Commercial Banks
For the effective take-off of the implementation of in Nigeria in the implementation of the different
the Plan, an annual USD1m per annum should be set- projects in the Planning Area.
aside for the cost of recruiting technical staff fro project (iii)Mobilizing fund from the Capital Market: The
implementation, and provision of essential operational Nigerian capital market is structured to provide
and logistics support for project implementation, medium and long term funds to the public and
including covering the cost of recruiting international private sector in order to finance projects essential
Chief technical adviser and the programme officers fro for production, infrastructural and /or economic
each city. development.
In the past, such funds have been raised through
6.7.1 Sources of Funds: State Government and Municipal bonds. These bonds
The sources of funds for the structure plan will represent a financial facility which enables government
involve one or a combination of the following: meet the cost of building a public infrastructure or
amenity. These bonds are issued on the guarantee that
(i) Annual Budgets of State and Local Governments: over the repayment period, government will pay the
The first credible source of funds is for both the interest on the bond and redeem the principal by the
local and state governments in the planning to work time the bond matures. Thus, the capital is mobilized
together first to set aside in their annual budget for and liquidated over the repayment period. The capacity
implementing different proposals. Both need to of government in effectively utilizing this modality of
arrive at a workable formula for sharing the cost of funding is a critical factor to be considered.
project’s implementation may be 30% by LG and
30% by State; while the remaining 40% can be (iv)Mobilizing funds from Bilateral and Multilateral
IMPLEMENTATION ARRANGMENTS
sourced from other sources. Due to limited resources organizations and International Development Banks:
both governments need to explore other sources Bilateral and multilateral organizations provide
listed above. To this end, the State Government funds to developing nations in order to facilitate
and local governments need to work out a dynamic development. Such facilities are more attractive
funding strategy toward using a combination of where they assist or have direct impact on poverty
these sources. There is no doubt the State will need to alleviation, gender development and the wellbeing of
secure both financial and technical assistance towards the citizens of the recipient country. The conditions
implementing this plan. Most of the planned project are often as stringent as those of the capital market.
are cost involve but it is also possible to recover such The State should collaborate with multi and bilateral
costs over time. Therefore, borrowing to implement donors to use this plan as advocacy tool to mobilize
the project may not be inevitable provided that the funds for capacity building and financial assistance
cost incurred can be recouped over time. for funding urban infrastructural projects. Some of
these organizations include African development
Bank, the World Bank, Shetler Afrique, IFC and
others.
8989
(iv)Community Resources: Mobilize funds from 6.8 MONITORING AND REVIEW
Communities through taxation and user-charge
mechanisms. It is necessary to partner with Micro- For the Structure Plan to respond to changes, it has
Finance institutions to mobilize funds from the to have an in-built flexibility and review mechanisms.
community. It is recommended that quarterly monitoring of the
delivery outputs should be undertaken while annual
reviews of the performance of the plan should be carried
6.7.2 List of Donor Agencies Active in out involving stakeholders. During Monitoring and
Anambra State evaluation critical changes may become evident and
Apart from the technical cooperation that resulted necessary adjustment can be made.
from the production of this Structure plan by the UN-
HABITAT Anambra State has been fortunate to work The comprehensive Annual Review Reports must
with several donor agencies in promoting some projects be considered by the PIC and Programme Finance and
in health, water and general development during the Policy Committees.
past decade. Some of these donors include:
• WHO (the Roll Back Malaria Programme) The Planning Authorities in conjunction with other
• EU-SRIP/EU-WSSSRP/ EU-PRIME stakeholders is encouraged to develop a set of measuring
indicators against which the performance of the plan
• UNICEF (RUWASSA) can be evaluated, taking into account some of the
relevant variables defined in the collection of data under
• UNFPA RUSPS as well as urban and housing indicators as well
as the universally agreed variables for monitoring the
• UNDP (several capacity building projects in attainment of the MDGS especially those dealing with
economic planning, aid coordination poverty poverty eradication, education, gender, health, HIV/
eradication) AIDS, environmental sustainability and partnership
building.
• World Bank (FADAMA 111) and
In June 2027, a comprehensive review and evaluation
• GHAIN/FHI. of the Structure Plan must be conducted involving all
The Anambra State has benefited from the following stakeholders, the report of which should feed into the
national programmes in prevention of HIV/AIDS. There next long-term Structure Plan for Awka and Environs
are ample opportunities to work with international and Environs.
development banks including the World Bank, African
Development Bank and Shelter Afrique, International
Finance Corporation to secure financial assistance
to undertake some of the roads, slum upgrading and
housing developments.
IMPLEMENTATION ARRANGMENTS
90
90
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Afigbo, A. E. (1981). Ropes of sand: Studies in Igbo History and Culture, University of Nigeria Press, Nsukka.
Anambra State Government (1979): Land Use Edict.
Anambra State Government (1985). White Paper on Report Of land Allocation Review Panel.
Anambra State Government (1993) Land Policy
Anambra State Nigeria (1999). Bureau of Land Survey and Town Panning.
Anambra State Ministry of Women Affairs and social Development (2007) Gender mainstreaming as a tool for
sustainable Grass root Development. 1st Ed.
Anambra State House of Assembly (2005): Promotion of Women’s Rights.
Anambra State (2006) fact sheet on Reproductive Health and Gender indicators.
Anambra State Agricultural Development Programme (2007);Volume 10 number 70
Anambra State Agricultural Development Programme (2008); Vol. 11 Number 71
Anambra State Agricultural Development Programme (2008): Vol. 11 Number 72
Anaocha L.G.A. (2007) Local Economic Empowerment and Development (LEEDS)
Awka South L.G.A. (2007) Local Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy (LEEDS)
Awka Capital Territory City Consultation (May 2008)
Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development (2006) National Gender Policy
Federal Republic of Nigeria (2006) National Population Commission.
Iloeje, N.P (1980) A New geography of Nigeria, Longman Enugu
Njikoka L.G.A (2007) Local Economic Empowerment Strategy (LEEDS)
Ofomata, G.E.K. (Ed) (1975) Nigeria in Maps: Eastern States.
Umeh, L.C (1996) Appraisal of Development Control System in Awka Capital Territory. A paper presented at the
27th Annual Conference Of the Nigeria Institute of Town Planners in Benin, Edo State.
United Nations Human Settlements Programme (2006). Regional Office for Africa and Arab States Rapid urban
sector profiling for Sustainability (RUSPS),
Qualifare (2005) Newsletter. Volume number 4
Qualifare (2007) News letter volume 5 number 1
Qualifare (2007) Newsletter. Volume 5 number 2
BIBLIOGRAPHY
9191
CREDITS
92
92
ACRONYMS
AD Anon Domino
ANIDS Anambra Integrated Development Strategy
ANSEEDS Anambra State Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy
ANSEPA Anambra State Environmental Protection Agency
ASUDEB Anambra State Urban Development Board
C of O Certificate of Occupancy
CBD Central Business District
CBOs Community-based Organizations
CEDAW Commission for Eradication of Discrimination Against Women
CMS Church Missionary Society
CRO Customary Right of Occupancy
CTA Chief Technical Adviser
EIA Environmental Impact Assessment
Engr Engineer
EU European Union
FMBN Federal Mortgage Ban of Nigeria
GDP Gross Domestic Product
GRA Government Reserved Areas
GSM Global System Mobile
HE His Excellency
HIPC Highly Indebted and Poor Countries
HIV/AIDS Hihgly Infectious Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
HOS Head of Service
HRH His Royal Highness
IFC International Finance Corporation
LDC Least Developed Countries
LEEDS Local Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy
LG Local Government
LGs Local Governments
M/F Male/Female
MASSOB Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra
MDGs Millennium Development Goals
MTI Metallurgical Training Institute
NAPEP National Programme for the Eradication of Poverty
NGOs Non-Governmental Organizations
NITEL Nigerian Telecommunications Ltd.
NWO Nnobi Welfare Organization
ODA Official Development Assistance
PHC Primary Health Care
PHCN Power Holding Company of Nigeria
PTO Private Telephone Operators
RCM Roman Catholic Mission
RUSPS Rapid urban Sector Profiling for Sustainability
SEEDS State Economic Empowerment and Development Strategies
SMART Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time-bound
SWOT Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats
Tpl Town Planner
TWG Technical Working Group
UDBN Urban Development Bank of Nigeria
UN United Nations
UNEP United Nations Environment Programme
acronyms
9393
Fig 1.4: Awka Capital Territory Neighbouring Settlements
18
Fig 2.1: Anambra State in Nigeria:
20
Fig 2.2: Awka in Anambra State
21
Fig 2.3: Awka Capital Territory Digital Elevation Model
22
Fig 2.3: Awka Capital Territory Digital Elevation Model
22
Fig 2.5: Awka Capital Territory: Existing Land use
25
Fig. 4.1: Urban Form: Single Core City
47
Fig 4.2: Urban Form 1: Twin City
49
Fig 4.3: Urban Form: Multi-Nuclei City
50
Fig 2.5: Awka Capital Territory: Existing Land use
58
Table 5.1: Identified Priorities and Implications for Land use Proposals
59
Anambra, with a population of over 4 million people in 2006, is the second most urbanized states in the country,
having 62% of its total population living in urban areas. Unfortunately, past Governments since creation of the
State in 1991 have failed to adopt city development strategies for its many fast growing cities to cope with rapid
urbanization. Following decades of neglect and poor urban governance, the profiles of these cities indicate that
they are characterized by decayed inner and suburban sprawling slums, inadequate sanitation, uncontrolled street
trading, mountains of uncollected wastes, overcrowded and congested transport systems and roads with poor
drainages, noise and air pollution
It was for the purpose of reversing this ugly and undesirable trend that the Government of His Excellency Peter
Obi forged a viable technical cooperation agreement with UN-HABITAT in 2007 to provide technical assistance in
the preparation of structure plans for three cities, namely Awka Capital Territory, Nnewi and Onitsha. By so doing,
it is the first ever bold attempt to prepare and adopt a robust and dynamic city development strategy for any city
in the State. The structure plan for each city covers 20 years (2009-2028). The goals of the structure plans are
towards achieving environmental sustainability in the context of achieving State and Local Economic Development
Strategies, Millennium Development Goals and Habitat Agenda, orderly and healthy development, the contributions
of cities to sustained economic growth, poverty reduction, sustainable livelihoods, good governance and gender
empowerment.
This Report, which is the structure plan for Awka, is a tangible outcome of this cooperative effort. For the next
20 years, the Structure Plan envisions that Awka Capital will be planned and developed to greatly enhance its
‘administrative, industrial, commercial and educational roles and its rapid contributions to poverty reduction,
employment generation, participatory development, good governance, tourism development and environmental
sustainability. Specifically, to enhance the administrative, commercial, education roles of Awka and heighten its
image as well as aesthetic and functional appeals, the structure plan is designed to re-organize the land use
organization, upgrade the existing slums, develop fully the exiting areas approved for housing development,
make new reservations for housing, schools and industrial development. The structure plan also proposes to unify
the old and the new city by providing access for movement of goods and people and parking for vehicles, by
relocating some of the many markets in the inner areas to peri-urban areas coupled with radical urban design, city
beautification, solid waste management.
The report contains comprehensive land use proposals, identification of action planning areas, policies, land use
standards and implementation and funding arrangements. The proposed implementation strategy emphasizes
strong political commitment, participation and civic engagement, adopting an integrated approach, decentralization
of planning function to local government, legal and institutional reforms, pro-poor approach to land reform, action
planning, capacity building, resource mobilization, monitoring and evaluation.
HS/1152/09E
ISBN:978-92-1-132118-0