CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Nigerian government has made significant efforts in recent years, not only in the fair distribution of such facilities to different parts of the country but also to increase the quality and improve the quality of such facilities.
The development of infrastructural facilities today is the responsibility of the Federal and state government. However, it should be noted, that until recently most of the infrastructure facilities developed in the country were established, staffed and controlled by religious organization, private initative and other voluntary agencies such as local communities, individual and local councils as pointed out by Stolper (1982).
The fourth National Development plan of Nigeria (1981-1985) was made to address the inadequacies and imbalance in infrastructural development and it had a projected capital expenditure of about N82.2 billion, 86% of this was to be spend on public sectors especially in the development of various infrastructures. This was the first time the local government participated in their capacities as the third tier of the government created by the constitution.
Regarding education as essential for the development of high quality manpower as been recognized in the level of public expenditure on such institution like primary, secondary and tertiary institutions in Nigeria and in the number of scholarships to Nigerians on education both at home and abroad. The literacy rate is about 20 percent in urban areas and 2 percent in the rural areas Kesside (2003).
It is the primary objective of the Federal and State government to reduce the rate of illiteracy; hence there is a rapid increase in Primary, Secondary and University enrolment to a substantially increased level. Though the enrolment in other educational institutions has shown a similar trend. The government made education free especially primary education throughout the country. The Universal Basic Education (UBE) has now made education compulsory up to Junior Secondary Level.
1.2 THE UBE PROGRAM
Curriculum renovation that is realistic and child centered, that is quick in rejuvenating and revitalizing hope and passion for acquisition of broad based knowledge that is worthwhile in a learner should be the focus of the structure. Methodology that will aid self discovery and problem-solving ability which allow learners the opportunity for creativity should be entrenched in the curriculum. Quality and relevance are the two features that curriculum development in Nigeria now needs. Equally, changes and innovations of a school system of our globalized environment must involve the emergence of elastic curricula models and educational policies which emphasize interdisciplinary courses, open-ended systems, intergenerational and inter-professional relationships, multi-culturalism and sustainability. The need for a paradigm shift from theoretical and paper certification to a practical application of knowledge necessary for future employment and skills development for self-employment should be the cardinal objectives of Nigerian education. Curriculum developers should also adopt the interdisciplinary approach to curriculum especially at the primary and junior secondary school levels. Emphasis should be on the changing needs of the society through enhance on the understanding and application of new technologies. Finally, to teach a new curriculum at all levels of education, the teachers and instructors currently employed by the Government have to receive further training.
According to Ukpong (1979), inspite of the growth rate in electricity production and consumption in Nigeria, the per capital consumption of electricity is among the lowest in Africa. In term of per capital consumption 107HWHK for developing countries per capital consumption of less than 40KWH etc.
The role of infrastructure and its effects as an agent of growth and development is not a new phenomenon’s is a very important parameter for economic growth that no one can deny. Development of infrastructure implies a complete modernization of the economy as a while which leads to substantially increased output and productivity. It entails conversion from peasant farming society to an industrial nation; it is a way of change in the living standard, life expectancy, reduction in infant mortality. It is perhaps for these reasons that there is no unanimity as to the criteria for measures development of infrastructure.
1.3 LINKAGE BETWEEN INFRASTRUCTURES IN NIGERIA AND MDGS.
The millennium development Goals (MDGS) are a series of time-bound development targets aimed at addressing the challenge of under-development. The MDGS address issues on infrastructural facilities and global partnerships for development, agreed by the international community to be achieved by year 2015. This is perhaps the most significant step in the war against poverty.
Attainment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGS) is largely dependent on the availability of functional infrastructure. Decentralization is an opportunity that can be used to realize the MDGS especially at the lower levels of the society and Government. Decentralization, which is about central government increasingly devolving certain jurisdictional functions to local authorities, has diverse impact. A major impact area that can have direct benefit to communities in the provision of infrastructure. This is because economic growth is linked to poverty reduction and improved access to infrastructural services induces economic growth in a cyclical manner. Therefore, carefully thought out mechanism that ensures functional nexus of infrastructural services and economic activities are rudimentary ingredients for liveable human settlements.
The suitability and sustainability of human settlement for economic development is strongly linked to the level of serviceability and liveability. Serviceability connotes the quality of being able to provide good services and the extent to which these services are adequately available in an area. Liveability, refers to overcoming poverty, providing basic public services, maintaining minimum level of environmental standards, adequate housing, security and safe environment, access to amenity and learning institutions. The issue of settlement service ability and liveability is infrastructure-based, where water services function, as a basic amenity.
Water is the worlds most important resource and a necessity of life. Adequate access to social welfare services, such as medical services, education, portable water supply, roads, electricity e.t.c. are strong indices of development (Adeyemo, 1989). Portable water supply is both a function of adequate and accessible functional water infrastructure.
Water infrastructure stands out of all infrastructures (Physical and social) as critical to the attainment of the MDGS. This is because beside goal number 7 and target 10 which are specifically water based, issues addressed by goal 1-7 in general directly or indirectly relate to water availability. Meeting the water needs of African countries would be many steps closer to attaining the overall MDGS (AWDR 2006).
The United Nation’s estimates 1.1 billion people lacking access to safe drinking water, is compounded by the record of 2.4 billion people without access to adequate sanction (Cunningham, 2004). African countries have embraced the decentralization as a mark of good governance, given that it is an antidote to poverty perpetuation. Nigeria and Ethiopia are the most populous countries in Africa and operates decentralized systems.
In 2004 for example, safe water coverage in Nigeria was only 48 percent (FGN, 2004). Ironically, water is very important for socio-economic development, this is in addition to portable drinking water supply being a basic human need and sufficient water for good hygiene is a prerequisite for public health (World Bank, 1994) when access to water is disrupted, people therefore face acute human security risks transmitted through poor health and the disruption of livelihood (UNDP, 2006).
In view of the foregoing, it is obvious that water front is where the war of poverty and by implication attainment of the MDGS would be won or lost. The contention is that infrastructure, especially water infrastructure is critical if MDGS are to be attained.
1.4 INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT AND ECONOMIC
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