Evaluation of infrastructural development In Nyeri town with emphasis to enhanced environmental Quality

Abstract

It was generally observed that there seems to be a close relationship between the spatial pattern of urban growth and the pattern of physical infrastructure provision. The study therefore set out to examine the nature of this relationship. In examining the study problem, the problem was first stated, objectives set which were meant to be the basis of the evaluation and to guide the achievement of he desired goals~ Several hypothesis were also set which were to be tested against the analyzed data together with the validity of.the study assumptions. The study covered Nyeri Municipality but mostly concentrated wi thin the CBD and its environments. Detailed study was done in Kiawara and Majengo whose results were to give the sample characteristics applicabl~ to the whole municipality. Literature reviewed gave a broad focus to the study but the only aspects the study intended to examine in details were the water s~pply, sewerage systems and other forms of infrastructure as mostly infrastructural facilities are served as a package. All these kinds of infrastructure contribute towards the growth of this town both economical~y and lts spatial growth. These other facilities include storm dri}inage, garbage collection and disposal, transportation, electricity, postal and telecommunication services which contributes both to the economic and spatial growth of the town. Their influence and impacts are significant in this town as will be seen herein. An overview study of the town was done firstly focus.ing on the topographical, environmental, population a.hd levels of infrastructural development were assessed ' and analyzed and their implications drawn. Same issues were also looked at in the case study areas for comparison purposes since the study areas could not be treated in isolation. The findings and the survey results were to enable formulation of policy measures that can be adopted by the council in its short and long term planning. The results showed that infrastructural,levels in this town were low and inadequate. This was constrained by the topography which is characterised by a rugged terrain, population factor,land availability ?nd ownerships which has led to the scattered nature of the settlements. The scattered nature of the settlements and the population densities hinder provision of some infrastructural facilities and services as those which re;quires high provision costs per unit distance. The are facilities like water supply, sewerage systems, roads, electricity e.t.c. Low income areas lacked adequate infrastructure and located on the environmental fragile zone which was steep, unable to allow efficient provision of infrastructure though growing fast spatially as a part of the urban centre. Most of the infrastructure was non- resulting in a poor deteriorating and degraded environment. Cost of infrastructural provision in those areas is high t~ough other factors like the extent of poverty also affected it. The poverty impacts can be seen reflected by the poor housing structures that and the low level of economic activities. Due to this community participation was low though rarely does the council involve public in its own planning. Though the constraint of the terrain and finances the council should recognise the low income areas and give them equal treatment like any other area within the town. This should entail provision of basic infrastructure and services in equitable basis. Consequently it should expand its revenue base to enable it acquire enough finances which can be used to support and sustain its project?