Perceived Impacts of Stormwater on Urban Residential Neighbourhoods in Zaria Metropolis, Kaduna State, Nigeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47514/kjg.2025.07.01.027Abstract
Urban centers in developing nations like Nigeria are increasingly vulnerable to stormwater challenges due to rapid urbanization, poor drainage systems and climate variability, among others. This study assesses the perceived impacts of stormwater on urban residential neighbourhoods in Zaria Metropolis, Kaduna State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey design was employed, with data collected from 384 respondents selected through purposive sampling across various communities to ensure participation of individuals with direct experience of stormwater effects. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Weighted Mean (WM), and Standard Deviation (SD) to determine both the level of agreement and the degree of variability in residents' responses. The findings identify key contributors to stormwater runoff, with improper waste disposal into water channels (WM = 4.00; SD = 1.34), unregulated urban development (WM = 3.97; SD = 1.49), and absence or poor maintenance of drainage channels (WM = 3.87; SD = 1.42) emerging as the most critical factors. Natural drivers such as heavy rainfall and deforestation further intensify these human-induced challenges. In terms of impacts, residents reported severe effects including increased mosquito breeding and disease outbreaks (WM = 3.98; SD = 1.34), difficulty in movement during rainfall (WM = 3.92; SD = 1.44), and damage to household items and personal belongings (WM = 3.92; SD = 1.43), alongside dampness in building foundations and widespread erosion. The study therefore concludes that, stormwater presents major environmental, health, and economic risks in Zaria’s residential neighbourhoods, largely due to inadequate urban planning, poor waste management, and insufficient drainage systems. Based on the findings, the study recommends the need for improved enforcement of development control, strategic investment in drainage infrastructure, enhanced waste management programmes, and strengthened community participation in stormwater adaptation practices.
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