The densified city and the powerline right-of-way encroachment in Nigeria: Greening as an important intervention.

Urban densification is generally promoted as a strategy for sustainable development. However, it may also produce unintended consequences, such as exposure to environmental hazards. This study examines potential electrical hazard exposure in relation to the powerline right-of-way (ROW) encroachment in Port Harcourt Metropolis, a rapidly densifying oil and gas industry hub in southern Nigeria, using a mixed-method approach that combines geospatial datasets and social survey data. The Pressure and Release (PAR) framework is used primarily as an interpretive framework for organizing observed spatial conditions and respondents' reported reasons for and experiences in occupying buildings within the powerline ROW. The findings show that about 256 buildings are located within the powerline ROW. Among surveyed occupants, 58.3% reported access to infrastructure and 20.0% reported proximity to livelihood sources as reasons for occupying buildings within the ROW. No electrical accidents were reported, while 50% of respondents reported powerline sagging and 12.2% reported arc flash. The study suggests green infrastructure as a policy option for managing the powerline ROW by transforming it into a managed ecological corridor that could help reduce encroachment and provide environmental benefits. However, its effectiveness depends on the capacity of the relevant institution, maintenance, and community engagement. The paper contributes to ongoing debates on urban development by illustrating how densified development may be associated with potential exposure to powerline hazards and by highlighting green policy interventions as a possible option for managing powerline ROWs.