IJSR - International Journal of Scientific Research

ATUBI; Augustus Orowhigo

Volume : VIII, Issue : IV, April - 2019

ACCESSIBILITY AND THE PROVISION OF PUBLIC FACILITIES IN DELTA STATE, NIGERIA (1976–2016): A NEXUS

Atubi, Augustus Orowhigo

Abstract :

The need for this research is based on the understanding that location of public facilities cannot be properly done without reference to their accessibility by users. It is in recognition of the need for access to facilities that various measures or re–organisations have taken place in Delta State. The data collected for the period between 1976 and 2016, were based on government documents. A classification of 50 sampled settlements, called centres, is first developed based on population size. By means of graph theory, the complex network of roads is abstracted into set of nodes and edges. These nodes were subsequently weighted according to their number and functions. Also, the Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Coefficient was employed as well as the students ‘t’ test. The analysis reveals a certain pattern of association. That the high correlation coefficient between specialist hospitals and post secondary institutions (r = 0.60) does not mean that occurrence of a hospital, necessarily lead to the occurrence of post â€“ secondary institutions, but it does imply that both tend to be located in the same place within the study area. On the basis of the findings of this study recommendations were suggested on how to improve accessibility and promote the equitable provision of public facilities in Delta State, Nigeria.