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.
Citation
Master Of Arts In Urban And Regional Planning In The University Of Nairobi,1994Publisher
University of Nairobi,