An assessment of Some Environmental Effects of Squatter Settlement in Dutse Alhaji Area Council, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria

Abstract

Environment and human activities are omen to development. Bwari Area Council in FCT is one of the areas that requires such development drive. The study area is required to facilitate this need. This research effort is to examine the environmental effects of squatter settlements in Dutse Alhaji, Bwari Area Council. In view of the above, necessary procedures were selected to accomplish this. Approach includes the development of database and choice of appropriate data source (primary and secondary sources). From the methodology, there were questionnaire administration, direct interview of respondent, collection and updating of the base map and the use of necessary field instruments for the study. The data gathered were analysed using the descriptive method. These entail the application rank scores to percentage distribution of variables revealing quality of basic characteristics of the squatter settlement. The end result has revealed a number of environmental problems due to the existence of these settlements (Dutse Alhaji). These problems are soil erosion, gully erosion, poor drainage system, forestation, traffic congestion, noise pollution, illegal refuse dump sites, slum situation etc. appropriate recommendation in form of short term and long term solution were suggested.