Environmental Implication of Physical Developments in Unplanned Urban Fringes: a Case Study of Adweso Neighbourhood of Koforidua

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2009
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Abstract
This study was aimed at the examination of the possible effects physical developments have on the environment of unplanned urban fringes. The research was conducted in Koforidua, an urban centre and focused on the Adweso neighbourhood, which is a suburb of the Koforidua Municipal area. Adweso was chosen due to its unique position as a growing fringe community of the municipality. With descriptive research design, the study achieved the following specific objectives. These were to study the pattern of physical development, investigate the planning and development control measures available in the study area and finally to determine the implication of physical development on the environment in the Adweso neighbourhood. To facilitate the study and to achieve its set objectives, the study employed the use of personal observation of physical developments, the use of questionnaires and structured interview guides on stakeholders in the development planning and control as well as property owners in the area. Land use planning agencies together with sixty-five (65) property owners were interviewed for the study. The study revealed that developments within the area were done in a haphazard and disorderly manner as buildings were indiscriminately constructed anywhere. It was discovered that this phenomenon resulted from the fact that the area was not planned prior to the commencement of the springing up of physical structures. This pattern of development, through observation, has serious environmental consequences for the residents of the area. Conclusions were drawn to show how the current pattern of development has affected the environment of the neighbourhood. Specific environmental problems identified in the study includes lack of drainage facilities resulting in flooding during heavy rains, disruption of ecological areas such as river/stream courses and wetlands, destruction of the original forest cover of the area, poor sanitation and waste management practices as well as land degradation through the activities of sand winners. Apart from the environmental problems, other factors were found to be responsible for the nature and pattern of development of the area. Some of these include laxity in the implementation of planning laws and building regulations, inability of physical planning to outpace the rate of development, delays in the permit approval process, lack of effective supervision of building works and the general failure of developers to adhere to approved plans during the course of construction. From the conclusions drawn, recommendations were made which were aimed at finding solutions to the problems identified in the study.
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A Thesis submitted to the School of Graduate Studies, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Environmental Resources Management
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