URBAN FLOOD MANAGEMENT AND PLANNING USING LOKOJA AND KOGI L.G.A OF KOGI STATE, AS A CASE STUDY

Abstract

Several cities and towns in Nigeria are faced with flooding problems emanating from the effects of climate change, urbanization and population growth. This challenge is more critical in some parts of Lokoja and Kogi local government area of Kogi state, given the recent flooding scenarios witnessed in parts of the two local government.. The floods that occurred during these periods were occasioned by high rainfall intensity coupled with inadequate drainage system. The study addresses the urban flood management and planning using Lokoja and Kogi L.G.A of kogi state, As a Case Study. A survey research method was adopted. Both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods were used. Collection of quantitative data was through oral interview and non-participant observation while quantitative data was collected using unstructured questionnaire and secondary sources such as books and journal articles. The urban flood management and planning shows that the low lying areas that border rivers in both Local Governments bed streams and their tributaries are highly affected by the hazardous flood events. Except for some parts of the areas in Lokoja and Kogi Local Government Area Most of the people living in Lokoja and Koton- Karfe are highly vulnerable to flood hazard. The assessment reveals that the municipality of the Lokoja/Kogi is more vulnerable than the municipality of Lokoja/Kogi inner town.