Urban growth and access to utilities in sub-urban settlements: a study of Effia-Kwesimintsim sub metro, Western Region

Abstract

There has been an increase in urban population of Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly from 246,169 in the year 2000 to 402,874, 2010. This is supposed to have a corresponding expansion in infrastructure (including utilities and amenities) provision to suit the growing population, however this has not been the case. The study sought to assess urban growth and access to utilities in sub-urban settlement of Effia-Kwesimintsim sub-metro of STMA. A total sample size of 253 respondents comprising 246 household heads, three heads of utility services providers and four assembly members were used for the study. The mixed method approach was employed whilst questionnaire, in-depth interview guide and remote sensing techniques were used to collect data from the field. The main finding of the study is that, there is rapid urban growth at Effia-Kwesimintsim sub-metro. Majority of the residents have access to electricity in their homes than water and also the cost of extending water utility services into homes of residents is higher than that of electricity. The coping strategies adopted to have easy and reliable access to utilities include drilling of boreholes, wells, rain harvesting, generators and installation of solar panels. It is recommended that the Effia-Kwesimintsim sub metro in collaboration with the Town and Country Planning Department and utility service providers should intensify their educational campaigns to sensitize the residents on the accessibility of utilities and the efficient usages of these services in the sub metro.