ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH, HOUSING AND PLANNING CONCERNS IN THE OLD PORT HARCOURT TOWNSHIP

The creation of the city of Port Harcourt was borne out of colonial development in line with the British Town and Country Planning Laws which prompted the promotion of security, health, convenience, economy, safety, and beauty. Housing in the city of Port Harcourt was created with recourse to density control, zoning ordinances, and planning directives for building line, plot ratio and light penetration. While the gridiron and radial street patterns prevailed with necessary facilities for drainage and sanitation satisfactorily done and aimed at making human and environmental health a priority. The received British Town and Country Planning Laws have so far undergone some modifications that have put in place agencies for the protection of public health and sanitation in all the neighbourhoods. The study focused on housing condition and environmental sanitation in the old Port Harcourt Township part of the city. Housing standard, neighbourhood standard, housing sanitation, housing condition and modifications (improvements) were assessed. A passive observational survey design was triangulated with an interviewer-administered questionnaire survey to secure primary data while secondary data was from journals, textbooks, and statutory documents. The survey carried out indicated a significant distortion and violation of sanitation and general planning rules that have resulted in mosquito infestations, overcrowding, and overall poor environmental quality and sanitary condition. This has affected both in-door and outdoor air quality in the township. There is therefore poor urban quality of life as there seem not to be any enjoyment of good health, comfort, and environmental convenience in the study area. The study, therefore, recommends that government should enforce strict adherence and compliance to planning/development control standards. This would curb the violation of building codes and other regulations put in place by the regulatory authority within the city.