Evaluation of the Relationships between Urban Infrastructure and Flood Disaster in Gombe Metropolis

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relationship between urban infrastructure and flood disaster in Gombe metropolis, Nigeria. In this research work, the survey research design was used to obtain data from the field. Stratified sampling technique was adopted in determining the study sample which consisted of 250 households (i.e. 13% of the population, made up of 1,923 households). 250 questionnaires were administered on household heads in the study area; however, only 237 questionnaires were retrieved and used for analysis. Spearman’s rank correlation and multiple linear regression analysis were used to examine the relationships between the criterion variable (flood disaster) and the predictor variables (urban infrastructure). The study showed that inadequacy of appropriate urban infrastructure is the major factor responsible for flood disaster in Gombe metropolis [R = 0.792, P = 0.000<0.01(2-tailed)]. It was recommended among others, that there should be improvement on the maintenance of available drainage infrastructure in the metropolis and the integration of solid waste management to prevent over flowing of flood as a result of blockage of drains. Government and all other stakeholders should expedite the provision of appropriate urban infrastructure in the metropolis.