The Role of infrastructure in spatial growth and development of environmentally sustainable urban human settlements: A Case study of Kisii Town.

Abstract

This study set out to identify the role of infrastructure and other factors in the spatial growth of Kisii town and the environmental consequences of inadequate provision of the same. The study is based on the assumption that infrastructure facilities have a strong influence on the patterns of urban development and can therefore be used to guide development towards future desired direction. Infrastructure facilities of main concern include roads, water supply and sanitation, solid-waste disposal and drainage. The study focuses on urban human settlements because it is in urban areas where the problems associated with inadequate infrastructure provision and rapid urban population growth readily present themselves. The study also seeks to identify the role played by the community and other agencies in infrastructure development. Empirical results of the study revealed that the outward expansion of Kisii town has tended to follow the major roads radiating from the town. A part from roads, households and business operators are also influenced by essential infrastructure such as water and electricity in their locational patterns. Topography has also played a significant role in shaping the spatial dimension of Kisii town. Inadequate provision of essential environmental infrastructure is evidenced by the occurrence of otherwise preventable degradation. The Municipal Council of Kisii has inadequate diseases and environmental technical personnel and weak economic base to provide infrastructure facilities to the rapidly growing urban population. There is limited community participation in infrastructure development although community members are positive about it. The study recommends for amelioration of the existing situation through increased involvement of the community and other agencies in infrastructure development. The local authority should adopt both" incentive" and "restrictive" policies in relation to infrastructure in order to gear the future growth of the town to the desired areas.