The Effectiveness of Institutional Framework for The Implementation of the Greater Port Harcourt City Master Plan, Rivers State, Nigeria

Environmental Management (Urban Development)

The effectiveness of institutional framework for efficient implementation of Master Plans is the bane of spatial and territorial planning in Nigeria, thus, greatly contributory to the poor state of human settlements in Nigeria. This study examines the process of implementation of the Greater Port Harcourt City Development Master Plan in Rivers State, Nigeria from its inception in 2009 to 2019. The study specifically looks at the institutional framework put in place for the implementation of the master plan for the New City. The study engaged the qualitative research approach, both primary and secondary sources of data were utilized through direct observation, deductive-inductive reasoning, visits to project sites and conducted in-depth face-to-face interviews with key informants; staff and executive directors of the authority. The qualitative data were analysed using thematic and content analysis. The result showed that the institutional framework of the Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority is weak to implement the master plan. The administrative structure of the Authority has been compromised by numerous forms of constraints such as staff deficit, unqualified staff and lack of appropriate working tools leading to a non-functional institution. The study recommends the hiring of staff with the requisite skills, motivated to carry out tasks, introduction of a rolling 2-5-year budget plan for all the existing and future equipment needed for plan preparation and implementation.

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