(a) Outline four functions of an urban centre. (b) Highlight four problems of urbanization (c) Suggest possible solutions to any two of the problems identified in (b) above
Explanation
(a) The functions of an urban centre are: (i) Provision of social amenities. (ii) Information dissemination (iii) Diffusion of ideas and innovations. (iv) Recreational/Tourism. (v) Provision of higher order services (x) Educational. (xi) Industrial. (xii) Commercial. (xiii)Administrative/Political. (xiv) Provision of employment. (b) The problems of urbanization are: (i) Traffic congestion. (ii) Growth of slums and ghettos (iii) Unemployment /underemployment. (iv) Overcrowding. (v) Housing congestion. (vi) High crime rate (vii) Increase in social vices. (viii) Environmental pollution. (ix) Poor sanitation. (x) Political and social unrest. (xi) Spread of diseases and epidemic. (xii) High cost of living/Inflation. (xiii) High crime rate. (xiv) Pressure on agricultural land. (xv) Increase in government expenditure (c) The solutions to the problems of urbanization are: (i). Public enlightenment on pollution. (ii) Rapid industrialization. (iii) Construction of housing. estates. (iv) Improved security. (v) Effective waste management. (vi) Introduction of modern farming techniques. (vii) Price control measures. (viii) Urban renewal, (ix) Development of new towns. (x) Employment generation / poverty alleviation measures. (xi) Establishment of diversified means of transport. (xii) Provision of social amenities. (xiii) Enforcement of laws on sanitation. (xiv) Increase in governmental budgetary provisions.