PUBLIC AWARENESS AND PERCEPTIONS TOWARDS PHYSICAL PLANNING IN NIGERIA: A CASE STUDY OF TALATA MAFARA, ZAMFARA STATE
Hadi Aliyu & Ismail Usman Kaoje
Department of Geography
Faculty of Arts, Social and Management sciences
Federal University, Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State
Email: aliyuhadi14@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
Land
has been the major pivot of physical planning and development in Nigeria and virtually
the entire world, and physical planners as the major promoters of development.
Besides, numerous questions are being raised by the public regarding the status
and credibility of physical planning. Thus, the aim of this paper is to examine
the level of public awareness and perception on physical planning profession
and practices and it’s implication on the effectiveness or otherwise. For
this purpose, systematic random sampling
was implored in sample choice and questionnaire administration to the selected
samples, interviews were conducted with some
officials of planning authority. Relevant literatures were consulted also. The collated
data was analysed. It reveals from the study that, most of the public are short
of what town/physical planning is all about;
in terms of its rules, laws and activities which seems to hinder the
effectiveness of the profession and its practice. To achieve effective planning
practice in the study area, the study recommends the need for frequent public
enlightenment Programmes on TV channels, Radio and print medias by Government, NGO’s
and professional bodies of Planning. It also recommends the recruitment of more
staff, organized public lectures, provision of more surveillance vehicles and
adequate funding. Planning bodies should also advocate zero tolerance to
corruption and planners should stick firmly to their code of conducts.
Keywords: Public, Awareness and Perception, Physical Planning laws, Talata Mafara