Institutional Challenges Inhibiting Public Infrastructure Maintenance in the Residential Core of Akure, Nigeri

Abstract

This study examined institutional challenges inhibiting public infrastructure maintenance in the residential core of Akure, Nigeria. In the course of this study, 425 copies of the questionnaire were administered on a household basis in the residential core of Akure. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics of average mean weight value (AMWV)and Likert scale measurement to determine the causes of poor maintenance of public infrastructure in the study area. Inferential statistics was used to analyse the factors inhibiting the maintenance of public infrastructural facilities as well as other information derived from
stakeholders of different institutional agencies saddled with infrastructure maintenance roles in the area. People’s indifferent attitude, poor maintenance culture, aging facilities, poor response to maintenance requests, and political instability were observable potent catalytic factors inhibiting facility maintenance in the Akure core area. Pearson productmoment correlation was used to divulge the strength of association among these variables. In combating the challenges, the study recommends
aggressive public enlightenment programs for residents on the need to make sustainable use of infrastructural facilities in their domain. It also suggests synergy among government ministries, corporate organizations, and residents in the form of public-private-partnership (PPP) to garner more funds for infrastructure provision and prompt repairs or replacement of faulty and aging facilities in the study area. This is considered necessary to enhance the adequate functionality of basic facilities that will make life better for the residents.