The provision of infrastructural facilities and their effect on spatial growth and development of urban centres. A case study of Busia town.
Abstract
Urbanization in developing countries is not unique.
However the rapid pace of urbanization together wi th
population growth, posses great challenges to most urban
areas. The increasing population and demand for more
services, has outpaced the ability of local authorities
to provide or extent supportive services that should go
,', hand in hand with urbanisation. Roads, water,
electricity, etc which make the urban system functional
and which to some extend influence the rate and trend of
urban development are therefore lacking. These problems
are likely to increase given that little is being done to
alleviate the existing crisis.
The study on Busia attempts a cri tical examination of
the forces behind the spatial growth of the town. The
study focuses on infrastructure to establish the
intricate relationship between infrastructure and the
structure of the town. The study also seeks to establish
other factors "besides infrastructure that playa vital
role in influencing urban growth.
In seeking the explanation for the spatial expansion
of Busia Town, the study established that roads play a
crucial role in influencing the structure and pattern of
urban growth. It was also quoted that the institutional
weakness (local authority) fail to provide effective
tools that could guide the trend of development. The
study has come up with a number of recommendations aimed
at both alleviating the existing urban growth problems
and strengthening the urban management system. The study
proposes the creation of a traffic diversion route,
preparation of a land use plan and involvement of the
community in urban projects. It is hoped that if these
recommendations are implemented, sound and sustainable , . ,
urban development in Busia town can be achieved.
Publisher
Department of Urban and Regional Planning