Physical Planning Administration and Policy in Awka Capital Territory, Anambra State, Nigeria: Liveability of the Environment and Avert Potential Future Disasters

Abstract

This research focused on assessing the state of physical planning administration and policy in Awka Capital Territory, with the aim of providing strong recommendations to improve the liveability of the environment and avert potential future disasters. As cities grow, humanity’s quest for better living standards also grows. This growth often leads to a series of ill-considered decisions impacting the environment and causing various challenges. To address these issues and channel development appropriately, standards and regulations are required as checks against exceeding environmental limits. This underscores the need for effective physical planning administration and policies. Currently, the state of physical planning administration and policy in Awka Capital Territory, Anambra State, Nigeria, is challenging and deeply unsatisfactory, indicating a need for redirection. The planning mechanisms and agencies responsible for implementation in Awka Capital Territory are underperforming, and the outcomes fall well below acceptable standards. A quota sampling technique was used to distribute questionnaires through the six Local Planning Authorities in the Capital Territory, supplemented by interviews and focus group discussions with various environmental stakeholders, including heads of planning units. The study’s hypothesis was tested using the data gathered from the questionnaires. The research focused on the existing state of planning administration and policy implementation by the local planning authorities, aiming to realign previously misapplied practices. This focus was necessitated by prevalent improper land uses in Awka Capital Territory, which have led to disorderly development. The findings of this work will be instrumental in guiding government decisions on physical planning. With effective physical planning administration and policies in Awka Capital Territory, all stakeholders in development will be properly guided, and the Capital Territory’s environment will become more sustainable. The results revealed that physical planning mechanisms in the Capital Territory are largely ineffective. This study’s recommendations will help redirect development and avoid potential future crises in Awka Capital Territory.