Abstract :
This research dwells on an assessment of infrastructure development in Akure, Nigeria due to the huge
infrastructure deficit arising from a number of factors in Nigerian cities. These factors include nonchalance of residents,
agencies’ negligence and poor maintenance routine. To achieve the study aim, this paper embarks on an assessment of
the functionality status of infrastructure, assessment of residents’ living standard, investigation of the challenges and the
performance levels of infrastructure agencies in the town.
Survey research design was employed for this study; the major sources of data collection were secondary and primary
data sources. The secondary data sources include: peer reviewed journals, reports and population statistics - sourced from
library, internet, archives and institutions. The primary data sources include: demographic characteristics, infrastructure
assessment, appraisal of living standards and agency performance; sourced through personal observations, interviews and
use of copies of structured questionnaire.
The study revealed that almost all existing infrastructure were fast depreciating and in bad states. From these
infrastructure, 53% of roads were bad, 46% consumers affirm that electricity supply was fairly regular, among other poor
assessments. The infrastructural development could have contributed better to a more decent environment, physical
outlook and enhanced living standard but a quite dormant performance was noticed from agency’s response.
Notwithstanding, the residents are ready to embrace adequate development from their responses. Therefore,
recommendations were made to further involve the private sector, focus on revitalization, prioritize projects, adequately
fund and employ other strategies like EIA in the development of the infrastructural components.
Keyword :
Infrastructure, City, Development, City Development Index, Environment, Redevelopment.