Original Research Article
Year: 2016 | Month: January-March | Volume: 1 | Issue: 01 | Pages: 1-17
Impact of Telecommunication Masts on Environmental Planning in
Enugu Urban Area of Enugu State
R. O. U. Eyankware1, E. A.
Iyi1, V.U.D. Okwu1, W.C. Ulakpa2
1Department of Geography and Meteorology, Faculty of Environmental
Science, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu State,
Nigeria.
2Bell-X Telecom
Infrastructure Development Company, Nigeria.
Corresponding Author: R. O. U. Eyankware
ABSTRACT
This
research assesses the impact of telecommunication masts on environmental
planning in Enugu Urban Area of Enugu State. Eighteen (18) layouts in the three local government area of Enugu
Urban (Enugu North, Enugu South and Enugu East) were randomly selected for
purpose of data collection. The study areas in the selected local government
areas were stratified into three (3) homogenous residential densities namely,
Low, Medium and High. Three hundred and eighty (380) questionnaires were
randomly administered out of which 297 response rate representing 78.5% were
returned, examined and analyzed. The research identified means of the spatial
distribution of masts location by measurement of the distance between each
masts, its attributes such as; nature of land for masts erection, nature of
adjacent land uses to masts location as well as the plot sizes and height of
each masts and also the impact of masts on environmental planning which
include; impact on urban scene, aviation, aesthetics and visual intrusion,
public utilities, diversion in roads, buildings and general well being of man.
One way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Chi- square were employed in testing
the hypotheses. The result revealed that the prime targets were dissatisfied
with the location of masts. There was significant variance in the spatial
distribution of masts in layouts plan. But there was no significant difference
in the negative impact of telecommunication masts on environmental planning. It
also identified four hundred and sixty one (461) base stations randomly
distributed within the eighteen layouts. In the high density layouts, the
observed mean distance between masts located is less than 1km. Thus the spatial
distribution is neither clustered nor dispersed but random in nature while the
mean distance for medium ranges from 0.7km to 1km and low density layout is
above 1km. This also confirms random distribution of masts location. The study
recommends that telecommunication operators should prepare and submit their
program on network expansion for integration into the land use plan of the
study area and for the city in general. The study concludes that future
location of telecommunication masts in the study area should be based on conscious planning decisions and
telecommunication operators should adopt the means of co-location.
Keywords: Enugu, Telecommunication, Residential Areas, Town Planning and environment.