Spatial distribution of the European union-assisted water supply and sanitation projects in Imo state, Nigeria

*Onyenechere, Emmanuella C¹., Ezirim, Onyekwere N². and Chibo, Christian N³.

^1&3 Dept. of Geography and Environmental Management, Imo State University, PMB 2000, Owerri, Nigeria

Dept. of Urban and Regional Planning, Federal Polytechnic, PMB 1036, Owerri, Nigeria

Corresponding Author’s Email: emmazob@yahoo.com; 

Tel: +2348033743055

Accepted 16 September, 2013

Abstract

This study analyses the spatial distribution of EU-MPP6 water supply and sanitation projects in Imo state, Nigeria and ascertains whether the projects are a function of the expectations of the benefitting communities as well as those of the organizers. Primary data were collected with the aid of two sets of questionnaires from households in the study communities and key staff of the European Union Micro Projects Program. The study employed Chi-square, the Gini-coefficient model and student‘t’ test analytical technique. The analysis revealed an even spatial pattern of water and sanitation projects. This was confirmed by Gini indices of 0.408 and 0.303. It also revealed that the EU-MPP6 water supply and sanitation projects are a function of the expectations the benefitting communities in Imo State as well as that of the organizers, because statistics showed the Chi-square values to be significant. The study concludes that in terms of spread and access, the project goal of improved socio-economic well-being of the benefitting communities is attained. Furthermore, the objectives of the EU-MPP6 water supply and sanitation projects are achieved; which indicates that the whole planning and execution exercise of the EU-MPP6 water supply and sanitation projects in Imo State has been very successful.

Keywords: Communities; European Union; Expectations; Nigeria; Projects; Spatial.