STREET ENCROACHMENT BY THE INFORMAL METAL CONTAINER OPERATORS IN OSOGBO, OSUN STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The attendant consequence of the urbanization in the developing countries, Nigeria in particular, is the influx of informal
activities. This paper examines the encroachment of streets by the informal metal container operators in Osogbo with the view to evolve a policy framework that will guide the activities of these illegal shop operators and to enhance effective city management. The study examined the socio-economic characteristics of the people in this informal sector, determined their tenure status and measured impacts of these container shops on the environment. Primary data was used for the study. The data was derived from fieldwork which involved direct interview and group discussion with the pedestrians and motorists in the study area and administration of questionnaire to eighty (80) operators of the container shops. Purposive sampling techniques were used in the selection of respondents in the area. Descriptive statistics was used such as tabulation and percentages in the presentation and analysis of data. The study, however, shows that most (75%) of the containers are erected on the road setbacks which has constituted nuisance to the environment. The study also shows that only 15% of the operators enjoyed hereditament while others are on lease and rentage arrangement. The sector is mostly dominated by the female (56.25%) respondents. The paper, therefore, suggested policy framework to guide the activities of this informal
sector.