Abstract
This research uses geospatial analysis, remotely sensed data, and social survey method to assess the profile of buildings on the powerline right-of-way in Asaba Metropolis, Nigeria. The Global Positioning System (GPS) was used to obtain the coordinates of each structure holding the powerlines. These coordinates were imported into ArcGIS environment, and the route of lining of the medium voltage (11- and 33-kV) powerline in the study area were produced. Furthermore, the powerline right-of-way, obtained by buffering the powerline with 11m distance as stipulated by NESIS Regulation were overlaid on the digitized buildings of the study area. The result of this analysis show that 3% of the buildings in the study area encroached into the powerline right-of-way. The factors responsible for building on the powerline right-of-way obtained by means of social survey showed that: 49% were indigenes of the study area, 29%, 12% and 10% erected the structures because of the quest for more money, the accessibility of the area and ignorance of the powerline hazards respectively. We conclude therefore that, as the built-up areas continue to expand, there will be a corresponding increase in the rate of encroachment of buildings into the powerline rights-of-way and detrimental impacts on the encroachers. Based on this, the following recommendations were made: the produced baseline map which elucidated the properties at the powerline right-of-way should serve as a tool for urban planning and electricity distribution company guidance. Also, regular public sensitization; demolition of encroached buildings, and relocation of the encroachers is recommended.
Presenters
Vivian Akunna OlerumLecturer, Geography and Environmental Management, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers state, Rivers, Nigeria
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
2024 Special Focus—Asocial Forms: Reconfiguring Possibilities of Urban Space
KEYWORDS
POWERLINE, ENCROACHMENT, RIGHT-OF-WAY, BUILT-UP AREA, GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM
