ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACT OF URBAN FLOODING ON LANDZUN CORRIDOR OF BIDA, NIGER STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Urban flooding is a growing concern in many cities around the world; due to the increasing intensity and frequency of extreme weather events, such as heavy rainfall and storms. This study assessed the impact of urban flooding on infrastructure, public health, and the economy in the Landzun corridor of Bida, Niger State. Descriptive research design was employed for the research. The research used data from primary and secondary sources. Primary data were sourced through a structured questionnaire administered to 118 respondents who were randomly selected along the Landzun corridor, a very busy route in Bida. The secondary data were from related literature from journals and textbooks. Business owners accounted for 50.85% of the respondents. A total of 54.23% of the respondents experienced annual flooding. However, the major identified factors aiding flooding in Landzun corridor were poor drainage (62.71%), insufficient drainage facilities (28.81%) and disposal of waste along drainage channels (44.07%). The physical effects of the flooding resulted to collapsed building parts of 42.37% of the respondents and 24.58% had their properties destroyed during flooding. The health effects on the respondents included Malaria fever (36.44%), cholera (32.20%) and mental health (38.98%). 39.83% admitted that the cost of repairs of their damaged properties ranged between ₦101,000 and ₦200,000. As support, 33.05% of the respondents got infrastructural provisions from government. The respondents consequently suggested flood management strategies through community engagement (28.81%), the provision of more drainage facilities (53.40%) and enforcement of urban planning practices through zoning regulations (13.56%). The study concluded that the major causes of flooding were insufficient drainage facilities, dumping of refuse along drainage and indiscriminate siting of buildings on waterways. The study, therefore, recommends stakeholders collaboration to make informed decisions like building indigenous sustainable embarkments along landzun flood plains, flood awareness programmes, enforcement of urban planning regulations, and recycling of waste to reduce the impact of flooding on the Landzun corridor of Bida.