IMPACTS OF FLOODING ON ROAD TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE IN PORTHARCOURT IN 2024

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

Flood is a natural process which occurs when water inundates land that is ordinarily dry. When rain falls on an area of land (catchment), some of the water percolate into the soil while the left-over flows downhill as runoff and the amount of this runoff depends largely on the nature of the catchment (Julius, 2018). Floods therefore occur when the amount of water from the catchment far exceeds the capacity of the drain channels available (Ekemini, 2021). The intensity of rainfall, the catchment and the drains are therefore major contributory factors to flooding (Julius, 2018). 

Flooding is a major environmental phenomenon creating severe impacts on the socio-economic and environmental aspects of human endeavor. It is prominent in highly built-up and low-lying areas especially where little or no attention was paid to proper planning in the development of infrastructures (Aguiyi, 2021). These infrastructures, therefore are highly vulnerable and are the first to receive the impacts of this event, prominent among which is the road transport infrastructure which attracts very high budgetary provision in the overall development process. Nemry et al., (2022), stated that for road infrastructures, weather stresses represent from 30% to 50% of current road maintenance costs in Europe (8 to 13 billion € /year and that 10% of these costs (0.9 billion € /year) are associated with extreme weather events alone, in which extreme heavy rainfall and flood events represent the first contributors. Nemry et al., (2022) further opined that construction, design and maintenance of transport infrastructures are essential to maintain their integrity and serviceability. The cost implication of flooding was highlighted as Aliyu (2019), copiously quoting NEMA (2013), stated that Nigeria, in 2012, experienced an unprecedented flood disaster that affected half of the 36 states with 21 million people displaced; 597,476 houses destroyed or damaged; over 363 people killed and an estimated loss of USD 19.6 billion. However, conspicuously absent in this report was the damage to road transport infrastructure.

High incidence of flooding could be attributed to climate change, reduction in percolation, poor environmental and infrastructure planning, poor governance, population explosion as well as rapid urbanization. The persistent migration of people from deprived areas, coupled with poor governance have put unprecedented pressure on cities’ resources and infrastructure (Odufuwa, 2022). Flood is a natural disaster and its occurrence is exacerbated by various human activities’ interface with the environment. The impacts and effects of flooding have also been noted to range from submerging of roads, obstruction of traffic, coastal erosion, disruption of economic activities, displacement of people, loss of property, to loss of lives (Bongwa, 2021). These impacts can be viewed from both short term, medium and long term perspectives. The immediate impacts include: destruction of roads, bridges and culverts and disruption of road transport systems, traffic jams, long travel time, loss in man-hour, stress, fatigue as well as other stress related issues. In the medium and long term, impacts include: cost of rehabilitation of damaged infrastructures, cost of reconstruction of existing ones to cope with future occurrences, restoration of lost assets

Flooding is a significant environmental issue in Nigeria, affecting various aspects of urban life, particularly in coastal and low-lying areas. Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State, is one of the cities severely impacted by recurrent flooding. The city's road transport infrastructure is particularly vulnerable, with floods causing extensive damage that disrupts daily life, economic activities, and overall mobility (Kalu & Emem, 2023). Port Harcourt's geographical location in the Niger Delta region makes it highly susceptible to flooding. The combination of heavy rainfall, poor drainage systems, and the rising water levels in nearby rivers contributes to frequent flooding events (Anu et al., 2023). Urbanization and inadequate infrastructure planning further exacerbate the problem, leading to severe consequences for the city's transport network (Chima, 2020).

According to a study by Badejo et al., (2021), the city’s topography, coupled with poor drainage systems, has led to recurrent flooding, causing severe damage to the road infrastructure. The study further highlights that the impact of these floods on the road transport infrastructure has led to increased traffic congestion, road degradation, and in some cases, complete road failure. A more recent study by Kalu & Emem (2023) corroborates these findings, emphasizing that the impact of flooding on road transport infrastructure in Port Harcourt Metropolis is a growing concern. The study found that during the rainy season, many roads become impassable due to flooding, leading to significant disruptions in the transport network. This not only affects the movement of people and goods but also has a negative impact on the local economy.

The impact of flooding on road transport infrastructure is not limited to physical damage. According to a study by Okoye & Eze (2023), flooding also has significant socio-economic implications. The study found that flooding often leads to increased travel times, higher vehicle operating costs, and reduced accessibility to certain areas of the city. This, in turn, affects the overall productivity of the city and the quality of life of its residents. The impact of flooding on road transport infrastructure in Port Harcourt Metropolis is a multifaceted issue that requires a comprehensive approach. While there are potential solutions, their implementation is hindered by various challenges (Chima, 2023). This study focuses on the impacts of flooding on road transport infrastructure in Port Harcourt in 2024. It aims to assess the extent of damage, analyze the economic and social repercussions, and explore the measures taken to mitigate these impacts. By examining these factors, the study seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of how flooding affects road transport infrastructure and to recommend strategies for improving resilience. Hence the need for the study.

1.2 Statement of the problem

The flooding in Port Harcourt in 2024 has had a substantial influence on the city's road transport infrastructure, resulting in disruptions and difficulties across all aspects. Gaining a comprehensive understanding of the precise consequences is essential for formulating efficient measures to reduce and adjust to the effects. 

Owoh (2024) states that the city of Port Harcourt has consistently experienced flooding, which has resulted in significant destruction to its road transportation infrastructure. The city's transportation infrastructure, crucial for the transportation of goods and individuals, has been significantly impacted by repeated instances of floods (Njoku, 2024). The issue is aggravated by the city's terrain and the absence of efficient drainage systems, resulting in water pooling on the roads during intense rainfall. The effects of floods on the road transport system are complex and have multiple aspects. It not only inflicts physical harm on the roadways but also interrupts the regular movement of vehicles, resulting in longer journey durations and higher expenses (Ogbonna, 2018). The regular road closures caused by flooding also have a significant impact on the economic activity of the city, as businesses and industries substantially depend on the road network for their operations (Molo, 2024).

Additionally, the issue of floods in Port Harcourt Metropolis is exacerbated by the city's swift urbanisation. The rise in construction activities has resulted in the destruction of natural drainage channels, thereby heightening the susceptibility of road infrastructure to flooding (Eze, 2019). The absence of adequate urban planning and strict enforcement of building rules has also played a role in exacerbating the issue. The flooding in Port Harcourt Metropolis not only affects the local road transport infrastructure but also has ramifications at the national level. Lagos is a significant economic centre in Nigeria, and any interruption in its transportation infrastructure might cause widespread consequences for the country's economy (Njoku, 2017). Hence, it is imperative to promptly tackle this issue. The consequences of flooding on the road transport infrastructure in Portharcourt in 2024 are a substantial issue that necessitates immediate response. Further research is necessary to comprehensively grasp the magnitude of the issue and devise efficacious remedies. Therefore, the necessity for doing this investigation arises.

Objectives of the study

The primary objective of this study is to critically analyse the impacts of Flooding on road transport infrastructure in Portharcourt in 2024. Specific objectives of this study are to:

To assess the extent of road damage in Port Harcourt due to flooding in 2024

To determine the impact of flooding on mobility in Portharcourt in 2024.

To evaluate the impact of flooding on economic activities in Portharcourt in 2024.

To evaluate the effectiveness of strategies employed by the government to mitigate the impacts of flooding on road transport infrastructure.

1.4 Research Questions

The following research questions will be answered in this study:

What is the extent of road damage in Port Harcourt due to flooding in 2024?

What is the impact of flooding on mobility in Portharcourt in 2024?

What is the impact of flooding on economic activities in Portharcourt in 2024?

How effective are the strategies employed by the government to mitigate the impacts of flooding on road transport infrastructure?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

The following research hypotheses will validate this study;

Ho: There is no significant impact of flooding on economic activities in Portharcourt in 2024.

Ha: There is a significant impact of flooding on economic activities in Portharcourt in 2024.

1.6 Significance of the study

An essential task in 2024 is to analyse the effects of floods on road transport infrastructure in Port Harcourt. This analysis is vital for increasing disaster preparedness, strengthening infrastructure resilience, ensuring economic stability, protecting public safety, and supporting sustainable urban development practices. The findings play a crucial role in directing policies and investments that promote resilient, secure, and easily accessible urban environments in response to climate-related concerns. 

Furthermore, the study's findings can provide valuable insights for policy suggestions targeting the enhancement of flood risk management, coordination of emergency response, and preservation of infrastructure. It facilitates the formulation of comprehensive strategies that tackle both immediate and long-term issues caused by flooding in metropolitan areas such as Port Harcourt.

Moreover, upcoming scholars will utilise it as a thorough examination of the current academic literature. Hence, anyone with an inclination towards this field of study can confidently depend on this work as a reliable and meticulously evaluated source of information.

1.7 Scope of the study

Broadly, this study focus is to critically analyse the impacts of Flooding on road transport infrastructure in Nigeria, in 2024. Specifically, this study seeks to assess the extent of Road Damage in Nigeria due to flooding in 2024, the impact of flooding on mobility in Nigeria in 2024, the impact of flooding on economic activities in Nigeria in 2024 and the effectiveness of strategies employed by the government to mitigate the impacts of flooding on road transport infrastructure.

The study is carried out in Portharcourt.

1.8 Limitations of the study

Like in any human attempt, the researchers encountered several small limits during the investigation. The primary constraint was the dearth of comprehensive literature on the topic, given the scarcity of data pertaining to the impacts of Flooding on road transport infrastructure in Portharcourt in 2024. Therefore, a substantial investment of time and effort was required to identify the suitable materials, books, or information and to collect data. 

Moreover, this study is limited by its diminutive sample size and restricted geographical range, concentrating just on Portharcourt. Hence, the findings of this study cannot be extrapolated, thereby necessitating additional research. 

Furthermore, the researcher's restraints were predominantly attributable to financial limitations, as they are a student without a means of revenue to support themselves. The research location's high transportation costs, impacted by current inflation in Nigeria, made it difficult to afford transportation fees.

In addition, the researcher encountered a time limitation as a result of the necessity to do this research while simultaneously meeting the responsibilities of attending lectures and engaging in other educational pursuits.

1.9 Definition of terms

Flood: Flood is an overflow of water onto normally dry land. The inundation of a normally dry area caused by rising water in an existing waterway, such as a river, stream, or drainage ditch. Ponding of water at or near the point where the rain fell. Flooding is a longer term event than flash flooding: it may last days or weeks.

Flood pattern: Flood pattern" refers to the correlation and relationship between various parameters, such as rainfall and temperature, that contribute to the occurrence and severity of floods.

Urbanization: Urbanization is the process through which cities grow, and higher and higher percentages of the population come to live in the city.