Public Infrastructure A Panacea towards Poverty Reduction in Anyamelum Local Government of Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

In spite of government initiatives available evidence shows that infrastructural facilities location in Anambra state is very lopsided mainly in rural areas. The study adopted descriptive survey design in examining the relationship between public infrastructure and poverty reduction in Anyamelum local government areas. The tools used for data collection from primary sources were questionnaires, interviews and personal observation and Questionnaire was analyzed using Statistical package for social science. The researchers made use of Taro Yemani's formula of 1964, for determining sample size from which is 204. A modified five (5) point's Likert scale designed was used in collecting the data from the respondents.The study revealed that, the level of poverty in Anyamelum local government rural area tend to be high because of the poor and inadequate public infrastructures in the area, such as roads, pipe borne water, well equipped hospital, market facilities and well equipped basic education, skill acquisition centers and so on; The study also revealed that, the poor and inadequate power supply plus the poor road condition in the study area have discourage the growth and development of small and medium scale business or enterprise (SME) in the area.The study therefore made the following recommendations;To eliminate poverty rate mainly in the rural areas compared to urbans, there is need for government to focus the provision or building of public infrastructures. Finally, Anambra state Government should set up or establish a Modern Agency that will undertake the provision and maintenance of infrastructural facilities in rural areas. This agency will eloquent all the rural growth plans which will amuse the entire needs of the rural people.