SLUM TRANSFORMATION FOR URBAN SECURITY: A CASE STUDY OF IKIRIKE RENEWAL SCHEME IN ENUGU METROPOLIS

Abstract

The insecurity and general living conditions in slums require public attention. The attention is towards improving the area generally. Insecurity (fire, health, and crime wise), infrastructural inadequacy, overcrowding, substandard buildings, etc. are the major problems manifesting in the socio-physical and economic conditions of the study area. The aim of this paper is to propose a renewal scheme for the study area through the assessment and analysis of physical environment, quality and quantity of housing, availability and adequacy of infrastructural facilities and socio economic characteristics of the inhabitants. Stratified random sampling was adopted using three wards making up the area as the strata. The paper examined the three basic renewal strategies namely; comprehensive redevelopment, rehabilitation and conservation. After their evaluation which was based on social benefit and security, having long effects, comprehensive redevelopment strategy was chosen as a solution to the deteriorated and insecure study area. This paper recommends strongly public enlightenment and participation likewise phasing of the scheme to ameliorate the anticipated reaction and negative effects on the populace. Finally, the paper concludes that if the renewal scheme is properly implemented, it would not only enhance the general security of the area, but also to a large extent, will help to uplift the socio-economic status of the people as well as make neighborhood environment more habitable and safe.