TITLE:
Assessment of the Environmental Impact of Road Infrastructure in Countries: A Study of the Namibia Scenario
AUTHORS:
Victor Uzoma Nwagbara, William Azuka Iyama
KEYWORDS:
Infrastructure, Impact, Environment, Road Transportation, Assessment, Developing, Economy
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Geoscience and Environment Protection,
Vol.7 No.12,
December
17,
2019
ABSTRACT: The assessment of the impact of road
infrastructure in the developing countries using the Namibian case scenario was
done based on the contemporary challenges of road use. This study employed a
qualitative technique using a sample size of thirty (30) selected by the simple
random sampling technique. The use of charts, tables and frequencies were done
to explain certain trends in the study. A well-structured, valid and reliable
questionnaire instrument was designed for the study based on the following
research questions; what are the impacts of road transport on the Namibian
environment and what are the possible measures that may be used to reduce
environmental impact of road transport on the Namibian environment? Twenty five
respondents (83%) agreed that road transfer has drastically improved
development and 26 (87%) respondents also accepted that it can improve Namibian
economy. Similarly, it has also improved communication and technology greatly
according to 27 (90%) respondents. To add more credence to the impact of road
transport on the economy, all the 30 (100%) of the respondents agreed that road
transport aids mobility within Namibia while 27 (90%) respondents supported the
opinion that road transport aids in job search, 3 (10%) disagreed. The
result shows that car owners service are potential threats which can affect
pollution levels as was supported by 97% to cause environmental pollution as
well as 100% when combined with energy consumption. Similarly, all the
respondents indicated the potential of increased accident rate from poor road
safety. Felling of trees poses great danger (97% response) due to the
degradation of the environment. Most respondents (77% and 83%) agreed that road transport can lead to land encroachment and
loss of aesthetic and farming. This research has shown that eventually death
rate may increase from mere ill-health to from the degraded ecosystem, 24 respondents (80%). So many policies to
protect the environment but the practical measures are to encourage impact
assessment studies for road projects, land use control and human safety
precautions on road use.