The Impact of Settlement Pattern of Some Nigerian Cities on the Spread of Covid-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The pattern of settlements in some Nigerian towns/cities have posed serious concerns to Epidemiologists, Virologists, and Planners in modern times. The rate at which buildings are erected close to one another without maintaining standards is alarming and requires professional attention. The aim of this study is to establish the linkage between the settlement pattern of some Nigerian cities and the spread of Coronavirus (covid-19) with a view to drawing the attention of relevant stakeholders (Government, Ministries of Urban Development, and Town Planners) to look inward towards revitalizing and improving on the settlements, in order to reduce subsequent spread in events of similar outbreaks. The study adopted survey method with the instrumentality of questionnaire administration in interviewing 110 people across 11 States of the federation. Findings reveals that most of these settlements were illegally erected and are characterized by congestion and lack of facilities (toilets, kitchens, bathrooms, and running water) while the available few are shared. These characteristics have made social distancing and regular washing of hands as measures to reduce the spread of covid-19 difficult to be achieved. The study, however, recommends an incremental approach of urban redevelopment, spot clearance, and rehabilitation of the identified settlements, in order to reduce the spread of diseases in the nearest future.