Constraints to Sustainable Physical Planning in Metropolitan Kano

This paper examines the constraints to physical planning in Kano Metropolis. Kano been one of the most populous cities in Nigeria, is undergoing tremendous urban expansion particularly at the edge of the city. This expansion could be attributed to not only population growth but also redistribution of activities within the metropolitan area. Rapid population growth has increased the tendency of cities in developing countries to outgrow the resources of the economies they are supposed to nourish and support. This confounds the planning problems faced by planners and urban managers thereby degrading the urban fabric. Data for this study was obtained through the administration of questionnaire to planners and urban managers in metropolitan Kano. The study discovers that the myriad of planning problems in the study area emanates from the fact that government and planners are incapable of handling the efficient provision of basic infrastructure and amenities and the situation of poverty necessitates the adoption the notion of ‘shelter first’ and ‘planning later’. The study concludes by recommending ways of overcoming the challenges planners’ encounters in ensuring sustainable orderly growth and development of the study area.