Viability and Utilization of Inland Water Transportation Routes in Port Harcourt Metropolis
Chapter One
Objective of the study
The primary objective of this study is to thoroughly investigate and analyze the viability and utilization of inland water transportation routes in Port Harcourt Metropolis. Specifically, the study aims to achieve the following objectives:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of the existing inland water transportation infrastructure, services, and utilization patterns in Port Harcourt Metropolis.
- To identify and analyze the various challenges and constraints that hinder the effective utilization of inland water transportation in the city.
- To assess the economic impacts of water transportation on businesses, individuals, and the overall economy of Port Harcourt
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEWED OF RELATED LITERATURE
Conceptual Issues
Rational model concept of transportation planning
Most regional transportation planners today employ what is called the rational model of planning. The model, views planning as a logical and technical process that uses the analysis of qualitative data to decide how to best invest resources in new and existing transportation infrastructure.
Since World War II, this attitude in planning has resulted in the widespread use of travel modeling as a key component of regional transportation planning. The model’s rise in popularity can also be attributed to a rapid increase in the number of automobiles on the road, widespread urbanization and a large increase in federal transportation in urban areas. All of these phenomena dominated the planning culture in the late 1940’s, 1950’s and 1960’s. Regional transportation planning was needed because increasingly cities weren’t just cities anymore, but parts of a complex regional system.
The process according to Johnston (2004) and the FHWA and FTA (2007), generally follows a pattern that can be divided into three different stages. Over the course of each of the three phases, the metropolitan planning organization (MPO) is also supposed to consider air quality and environmental issues, look at planning questions in fiscally constrained way and involve the public.
In the first stage, called pre-analysis, the MPO considers what problems and issues the region faces and what goals and objectives it can set to help address those issues. During this phase, the MPO also collects data on wide variety of regional characteristics, develops a set of different alternatives that will be explored as part of the planning process and creates a list of measurable outcomes that will be used to see whether goals and objectives have been achieved. Johnston notes that many MPO’s perform weakly in this area, and though many of these activities seem like the “soft” aspects of planning that aren’t really necessary, they are absolutely essential to ensuring that the models used in the second phase are accurate and complete.
The second phase is what is called the technical analysis phase. The process is pretty involved and there is lot of technical maneuvering going on, but basically the development of the models can be broken down as follows. Before beginning, the MPO collects enormous amount of data. This data can be thought of as falling into two categories: that which concerns the transportation system and that which concerns the adjacent land use. The best MPOs are constantly collecting this data.
The actual analysis used is called the Urban Transportation Modeling System (UTMS), though it is often referred to as the four-step process. As its nickname suggests, UTMS has four steps: trip generation, trip distribution, mode choice and trip/route assignment.
In trip generation, the region is subdivided into a large number of smaller units of analysis called traffic analysis zones (TAZs). Based on the number and characteristics of the households in each zone, a certain number of trips are generated.
Chapter Three
Research methodology
Research Design
The research design adopted in this research work is the survey research design which involves the usage of self-designed questionnaire in the collection of data. Under the survey research design, primary data of this study will be collected from selected residents in port Harcourt, River state in order to determine the viability and Utilization of Inland Water Transportation Routes in Port Harcourt Metropolis. The design was chosen because it enables the researcher to collect data without manipulation of any variables of interest in the study. The design also provides opportunity for equal chance of participation in the study for respondents.
Population of Study
The population of study is the census of all items or a subject that possess the characteristics or that have the knowledge of the phenomenon that is being studied (Asiaka, 1991). It also means the aggregate people from which the sample is to be drawn.
Population is sometimes referred to as the universe. The population of this research study will be Seventy-five (75) selected residents in port Harcourt, Rivers state.
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION
This chapter is about the analysis and presentation of data collected from the field through questionnaire. The analysis of the data with particular question immediately followed by the presentation of findings.
As mentioned in chapter three, 63 questionnaires were administered and 50 were retrieved and necessary analysis was carried out on them and presented as follows:
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Introduction
It is important to ascertain that the objective of this study was to ascertain viability and Utilization of Inland Water Transportation Routes in Port Harcourt Metropolis.. In the preceding chapter, the relevant data collected for this study were presented, critically analyzed and appropriate interpretation given. In this chapter, certain recommendations made which in the opinion of the researcher will be of benefits in addressing the challenges of viability and Utilization of Inland Water Transportation Routes in Port Harcourt Metropolis.
Summary
This study was on viability and Utilization of Inland Water Transportation Routes in Port Harcourt Metropolis. Three objectives were raised which included: To provide a comprehensive overview of the existing inland water transportation infrastructure, services, and utilization patterns in Port Harcourt Metropolis, to identify and analyze the various challenges and constraints that hinder the effective utilization of inland water transportation in the city and to assess the economic impacts of water transportation on businesses, individuals, and the overall economy of Port Harcourt. The total population for the study is 75 selected residents in Port Harcourt Metropolis. The researcher used questionnaires as the instrument for the data collection. Descriptive Survey research design was adopted for this study. The data collected were presented in tables and analyzed using simple percentages and frequencies.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the study highlights the promising prospects of inland water transportation in Port Harcourt Metropolis while acknowledging the challenges that need to be addressed. The findings underscore the need for concerted efforts and strategic investments to unlock the full economic and logistical potential of the region’s waterways. By doing so, Port Harcourt can position itself as a vibrant hub for inland water transportation, enhancing its economic resilience and sustainability in the years to come.
Recommendation
Based on the findings and conclusions of the study on the viability and utilization of inland water transportation routes in Port Harcourt Metropolis, several recommendations can be made to foster its development and maximize its benefits:
- Infrastructure Investment: Prioritize and invest in the development and maintenance of inland water transportation infrastructure, including dredging of waterways, construction of jetties, terminals, and loading/unloading facilities. This is critical to ensure the navigability and efficiency of the water transportation system.
- Security Measures: Collaborate with security agencies to address piracy and theft concerns on the waterways. Implement security measures that provide confidence to businesses and users, such as increased patrols and surveillance.
- Environmental Sustainability: Implement environmentally friendly practices and policies to protect the waterways and surrounding ecosystems. This includes measures to prevent pollution and promote responsible environmental stewardship.
- Awareness and Education: Launch awareness campaigns and educational programs targeting businesses, communities, and potential users to promote the benefits of inland water transportation. Highlight its cost-effectiveness, reduced congestion, and environmental advantages.
- Intermodal Integration: Explore opportunities for seamless integration between inland water transportation and other transportation modes, such as road and rail. Develop transportation hubs that facilitate the transfer of goods and passengers between different modes.
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