THE IMPACT OF INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT ON LAND VALUES IN SELECTED NEIGHBORHOODS IN GREATER PORT HARCOURT CITY

ABSTRACT: nfrastructure development is a key determinant of growth and development of any Nation orState. Investment in infrastructure provision can stimulate and increase property development and byassociation, increase in land values. Infrastructure development will open up locked lands for development andfurther bring about city growth and consistent development. This study examined the effects of infrastructureand property development on surrounding land values in selected neighbourhoods in Greater Port Harcourt Cityof Rivers State. Three separate neighbourhoods namely: Peter Odili Road, Rukpokwu and Igbo Etche werestudied. The study employed the mixed research approach with the use of questionnaire surveys, interviews andobservations in data collection. Collected data was analyzed using simple statistical tool of frequency andpercentages. Content analysis was used to interpret the data . Analyzed data is presented in graphs, tables, andtext. The findings revealed that the presence of infrastructure facilities such as tarred roads, drainage andservices, results in increases in land values. Active property development also affected land values and broughtabout an upward trend in value of land and landed properties within the studied neighbourhoods. The findingsalso reveal that lack of infrastructure retards property development and led to a stagnation or even decline inland values. The study concludes that both government, private companies and individuals need to collaborate inthe provision and development of basic but critical infrastructure facilities aimed at opening up new areas fordevelopment. The expected benefit will be the decongestion of the main city and this will result in ruraldevelopment thereby discouraging rural urban migration in search for better life.

Keywords: Infrastructure development, land value and property value