Spatio-Temporal Analysis of AWs in Akure, Nigeria

Urbanization is on the increase globally, due to the movement of people from rural to urban areas. The rapid increase in urban population has led to the corresponding increase in the use of vehicles and number of automobile workshops (AWs) in Akure. The study area is made up of four political wards with 511 registered mechanics of which 20% are randomly selected for data collection. Kruskal-Wallis statistical tool is used in data analysis. Findings reveal that a majority of the AWs are located on the road setbacks and under power line within the residential neighbourhoods while the existence of automobile spare part shops is the major factor driving their concentration. A significant variation in the spatial distribution of AWs in the political wards of the study area is also discovered. This paper, therefore, recommends establishing a partnership between the government and private organizations on the development of mechanic villages and the enactment of laws restraining automobile mechanics from performing their services out of the confines, so as to ensure a pleasant living environment for residents.