TOWARDS ACHIEVING URBAN ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY IN LOKOJA METROPOLIS, KOGI STATE NIGERIA (Review Completed - Accepted)
The rapid increase in population, coupled with increase in the rate of urbanization, had lead to unplanned and uncontrolled expansion of Lokoja town. Consequently, this scenario has caused tremendous pressure on civic infrastructure systems, housing problems and unkempt environment among others. This study was carried out with the aid of field survey using structured questionnaire, building demographic and housing facility survey. Using random sampling technique, every 5th house in the five districts involved in the study was picked for interview, with focus on investigating building characteristics, condition of sanitary and infrastructural facilities. Findings revealed that the study area exhibit slum condition which has un-denied consequences on the socio-economic lifestyle, health of residents and the general outlook of the environment. On this basis, upgrading program through the provision Urban Basic Services (UBS) and improved sanitation strategies were recommended for sustainable management of the area. These include, among others, public enlightenment campaign, environmental education and reintroduction of effective sanitary inspection.
Keywords: Environmental sustainability, UBS, sanitary inspection., slum, uncontrolled expansion