Emphasizing the significance of site investigation for infrastructural development of the Greater-Jos Master Plan

Abstract

The rapid urbanization of the Jos Metropolis is giving rise to an increase in housing development and other infrastructures resulting in the reduction of the most favourable ground available for urban expansion. In view of this fast expansion, the Government of Plateau State through the Ministry for Urban Development created ‘the Greater-Jos Master Plan’ currently domiciled at the outskirt of the Jos city where negligible lands are being developed. However, these negligible areas are largely covered with soils which could be problematic in addition to being located adjacent to unstable slopes or even abandoned mine workings with high capacity for subsidence. The Greater-Jos Master Plan is aimed at facilitating adequate planning and control of the metropolis to accommodate the increasing population and reduce proliferation of slums in future. For safe and efficient development of this plan, it is important that subsoil conditions be properly investigated prior to commencement of the final design and construction activities. The present study seeks to compliment this laudable objective by emphasizing the need for an engineering site investigation for acquiring information on which the foundation of such structures and ancillary objects can stand and hence facilitating the proper take-off of the Greater-Jos Master Plan.