Assessment of the challenges and prospects of physical planning and rural development in Rivers State, Nigeria

The study assessed the challenges and prospects of physical planning and rural development in Rivers State, Nigeria. This is vital because it helps in the management of landuses in different rural and urban areas. In achieving these, various objectives were identified including examining the effect of physical planning roles/laws in the development of the areas among others. The sample areas were Abua/Odual, Eleme and Obio/Akpor local government areas with sample size of 399 at 6.5% growth rate. The descriptive statistical tools were used in analyzing the responses. The results from the analysis should that 50% of the respondents are engaged in trading, with highest monthly income of 43.4%. Furthermore, 86.8% are of the respondents are aware of the physical planning authorities in the areas. In conclusion, this study revealed that the presence of physical planning authority but majority refused to take their building plan to the physical planning because of the fees required. The available facilities are police post, borehole, pipe borne water, market, town hall and school. The major provider of the facilities and amenities is the government.