Effects of Migration on Public Utilities in Ekpoma, Edo State Nigeria.

Abstract

The study examined the effects of migration on public utilities in Ekpoma. The aim of this study is to examine the effects of migration on public utilities in Ekpoma, Edo State. The specific objectives are to: Identify the factors contributing to migration in Ekpoma, assess the impact of migration on public utilities in Ekpoma, examine the consequences of overstretched public utilities in Ekpoma and to Suggest strategies for improving the efficiency and management of public utilities in Ekpoma. Both primary and secondary data collection methods were employed in the study. Descriptive statistics, such as frequencies, tables, percentages, and charts, were utilized to summarize responses from the questionnaires distributed. Inferential statistical techniques (Chi-square test), was used to examine relationships between migration and the effects of migration on public utilities. Correlation analysis was also applied to measure the strength of the relationship between migration and utility demand. Ekpoma has a total of 92,217 population (NPC, 2006), one quarter of the population were taken as sample size which is 21738.5 and 1% as sample frame which gives us a total of 230 respondents. A simple random sampling method was then applied within each stratum (ward) to select respondents. The study found that, rural-urban migration significantly affects public utilities in Ekpoma and recommends: Government investment more in Public Utilities development and improvement in Ekpoma, encourage Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), government to initiate and encourage affordable Housing Policies, improved Urban Planning, involve in Public Transport Development, encourage Community Awareness and Participation in utility management, Strengthening Rural Development Initiatives, Implementing a Systems Approach to Migration Management, Promoting Inclusive Urban Planning, Enhancing Data Collection and Research, Fostering Economic Opportunities in Rural Area as well as Strengthening Institutional Frameworks. These will in no small measure reduce the effects of migration on public utilities in Ekpoma.