THE ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF CONVERSION OF RECREATIONAL AREAS TO OTHER USES IN THE FEDERAL CAPITAL CITY (PHASE 1), ABUJA

Abstract

Recreational areas have suffered conversion to several other uses, the immediate consequence being that the facilities can no longer provide the desirable services to the residents. The research therefore assessed the environmental effects of the conversion of recreational areas like parks and gardens to other uses in the Federal Capital City, Abuja comprising of Garki, Central Business District, Wuse, Maitama and Asokoro. To effectively achieve this, the study investigated the demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of the residents in relationship with these facilities. An analysis of the original and current uses as well as the effects of the converted uses and the level of utilization of parks and gardens was also carried out. Utilizing data generated from both primary and secondary sources, the study found a strong correlation between the demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of the residents and recreational facilities. The study concluded based on its findings that the current uses of the parks and gardens are not entirely in tandem with the purposes for which these facilities were meant for. This abuse has negative effects on the environment such as environmental pollution. It therefore recommended amongst others that steps be taken by the concerned authorities to return these facilities to their original uses while defaulters be appropriately sanctioned to serve as deterrent to others.