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作者

Jonas Eze

来源

CITIES,Vol.113,Issue1,Article 103096

语言

英文

关键字

Immigration;Coal;Urbanization;Development;Politics;Administration

作者单位

Department of History and International Studies, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria;Department of History and International Studies, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria

摘要

Following the discovery of coal at Udi hill in 1909 by two itinerant English geologists, A. E. Kitson and E.O. Thiele, Enugu was born as an urban town. The colonial government recognizing the discovered large coal field as a treasure of inestimable economic value commenced mining operations immediately. With the mining, the emergent coal city welcomed local and international immigrants. Before long, pre-existing Udi villages and jungles were incorporated as part of the new urban town. This study employing quantitative and qualitative methods of historical inquiry seeks to unravel the city's urban phenomenon with a view to evolving sustainable measures in urbanization in modern Nigeria. Three theories guide this study. These are the Human Ecology, Culturalist/Volutaristic and Ernest Raven stein's Push-Pull theories. The findings are that urbanization of Enugu raises a lot of critical developmental questions and policy issues especially on urban land use planning and administration, security and politics. The development of the city has left terrible consequences on the residents and the communities that play host to the city's settlements.