GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION SYSTEM APPROACH TO URBAN REFORM:
A CASE STUDY OF MAKWALLA AREA OF BAUCHI, BAUCHI STATE, NIGERIA
Akinbileje, B. Frederick, Ibochi, Andrew Abah and Shehu M. Kardam
Department of Surveying and Geoinformatics
Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi
e-mail: fbolakinbileje@yahoo.com, andrewabah4real@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
The associated impacts of the dynamic and complexity of urbanization on the environment is much destructive to our safe living in so much that urgent proactive measure is highly desired if we are to preserve sustainable environment. This paper investigates violations to environmental standards and bylaws in Makwalla Area of Bauchi, Bauchi State, Nigeria using Geographical Information System technique and classical surveying methods. The data generated were manipulated and analyzed in ArcGIS 9.2 version environment. The analyzed and processed data were employed for the creation of a comprehensive database and the topographic map of the study area which can be very useful to Urban Planners, Environmentalists, estate developers and other stakeholders in order to successfully accomplish the laudable task of urban reform in Nigeria. The results of this study revealed gross violations to international standards for environmental practices and habitation (shelter) developmental standards, as highlighted in this paper. In view of the adverse effects of these violations on the environment and its health related impacts on human lives, it is recommended that stakeholders’ participation, capacity building and development, technical framework; legal framework must be taken into consideration in order to ensure the success of the envisaged urban reform program.Keywords: Urbanization, Violation, Geographical Information System, Urban reform,