Causes And Remedial Measure Of Reactivation Of Abandoned Building

The Causes And Remedial Measure Of Reactivation Of Abandoned Building (PDF/DOC)

Chapter One

Introduction

1.1 Background to the Study

The growing trend in the construction industry of residential building in Nigeria shows many uncompleted projects in reckless states of abandonment worth billions of naira. Abandoned projects are projects once initiated are stopped due to one reason or the other. Causes of abandonment of project include; death of the client, fraud, lack of cash flow forecast etc. Implication of such projects are; social, economic and physical implications some of the proffered recommendation include regular assessment of work in progress, offending contractors should be blacklisted, the procedure of awarding contracts should be devoid of sentiments of favouritism amongst others.

The consequence of abandonment of building projects were highlighted to include: tying down of funds and land spaces, extra cost involved in completion of such projects, continued scarcity of residential accommodation, defacing the landscape and harbouring people of deviant behaviour, reduction in the Gross Domestic Product (G.D.P) and the associated stigma. Suggestion were proffered as to how abandoned of projects could be minimised and how some of the abandoned projects could be revived and completed. Prominent among such suggestion include: adequate planning of projects, proper cost planning/financial appraisal of project, proper site investigations, selection of reputable contractors/manager to oversee project execution. The research therefore seeks to investigate the Causes and remedial measure of reactivation of abandoned building in Nigeria.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

The level of increase in abandoned residential buildings in Nigerian has constituted one of the countries woes in recent times.(Ayodele and Alabi, 2011; Kotangora, 1993; Osemenan, 1987). Abandoned residential building is a building in which the occupant has deserted due to poor infrastructure and maintenance , dilapidation, lack of security or natural disaster which has rendered the building not habitable. Abandoning residential properties and development projects implies the stoppage of work on such properties with no intention of returning back within the time of the contract agreement.

Many of the project are abandoned midway (Spelman, 1993). In view of the capital intensive nature of this project it is pertinent that a feasibility and viability appraisal be conducted before instituting them. The causes and effects of these residential building abandonments are not just peculiar to a particular reason rather cut across several reasons (Ayodele and Alabi, 2011), and as well as creating a total dwindling effects on the values of developed properties located close and within the vicinity. Most of this abandoned residential building usually turned into hideout for criminals.

The consequence of abandonment of building projects were highlighted to include: tying down of funds and land spaces, extra cost involved in completion of such projects, continued scarcity of residential accommodation, defacing the landscape and harbouring people of deviant behaviour, reduction in the Gross Domestic Product (G.D.P) and the associated stigma. Suggestion were proffered as to how abandoned of projects could be minimised and how some of the abandoned projects could be revived and completed. Prominent among such suggestion include: adequate planning of projects, proper cost planning/financial appraisal of project, proper site investigations, selection of reputable contractors/manager to oversee project execution. The problem confronting the research is to determine Causes and remedial measure of reactivation of abandoned building in Nigeria.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

To determine the nature and the level of abandoned building in Nigeria

To determine the Causes and remedial measure of reactivation of abandoned building in Nigeria

1.4 Research Questions

What are the causes of abandoned building in Nigeria?

What are the remedial measures of reactivation of abandoned building in Nigeria?

1.5 Significance of the Study

The study shall proffer an appraisal of the Causes and remedial measure of reactivation of abandoned building in Nigeria

Abandoning residential properties and development projects implies the stoppage of work on such properties with no intention of returning back within the time of the contract agreement. Many of the project are abandoned midway (Spelman, 1993). In view of the capital intensive nature of this project it is pertinent that a feasibility and viability appraisal be conducted before instituting them.

1.6 Research Hypothesis

Ho The Causes of abandoned building in Nigeria is low
Hi The Causes of abandoned building in Nigeria is high

Ho The remedial measure of reactivation of abandoned building in Nigeria is not effective
Hi The remedial measure of reactivation of abandoned building in Nigeria is effective

1.7 Scope of the Study

The study focuses on the appraisal of the courses and remedial measure of reactivation of abandoned building in Nigeria

1.8 Limitations of the Study

The study was confronted by some constraint including logistic and geographical factor.

1.9 Definition of Terms

Abandonned Building Defined

Abandoned residential building is a building in which the occupant has deserted due to poor infrastructure and maintenance , dilapidation, lack of security or natural disaster which has rendered the building not habitable. Abandoning residential properties and development projects implies the stoppage of work on such properties with no intention of returning back within the time of the contract agreement. Many of the project are abandoned midway (Spelman, 1993).

Abandonment

Abandonment is the act of giving up on an idea or stopping an activity with no intention of returning to it (Oxford, 2005).

Building

Building is just like a shelter, which is an enclosure of space for the use and protection of mankind.

Project

Project is a unique Endeavour to produce a set of deliverables within a clearly specified time, cost and quality constraints (PMG, 2003). A project is a series of tasks, which has a start, middle and an end. Therefore, the abandonment of building project can be defined as an act of giving up on or stopping a building project with no intention of returning to it.

Chapter Five

Conclusion and Recommendation

5.1 Conclusion

This study has shown factors which contribute to the causes of abandoned building projects, especially the various activities of the parties within the construction industry which include withdrawal/late honouring of certificates of payment, breach of contracts, indiscrimination award of contracts and corruption on the part of the public clients and also, the failure of the client to make fund available.

Furthermore, the study also reveals the role of consultants in abandoned projects, which include; producing drawings, assessing client’s financial capacity, specifications and modification. These tends to pose a great task if relevant safety measures are not put in place and creating problems for the contractors to cope with, which may eventually lead to project abandonment.

Also, the role of contractors in project abandonment is also reveal, which are lack of proper coordination of subcontractors and other specialist firms, lack of schedule of plants, equipments and materials, poor management skills, improper supervision of structural works, technical deficiency and lack of good incentive scheme. All these must be checked to reduce project abandonment.

In the course of the study, it was discovered that the abandonment of building projects also have effects on clients, consultants, contractors, the economy and the society at large. Therefore to reverse the effects proper measures must be taken by the clients, professionals and the government, in order to improve the society.

In conclusion, the majority of the respondents are of the opinion that there is need to know the clients financial capacity before embarking on any project. There is also need for the architects to be on site to monitor the progress of work and making sure it conforms to plan. Some of the respondents also stated that the parties involved in the construction industry (i.e. the clients, consultants and contractors) should try and fulfill their agreement to the last letter, government should ensure accessibility to fund by both public and private developers in all our financial institutions and cost of building materials should be reduced by government policy.

5.2 Recommendations

The research suggested the various means by which all the causes and effects of abandoned building projects in the construction industry can come to an end. This includes;

Client’s financial capacity should be known before embarking on any project.

Architects should ensure proper monitoring of progress of work and making sure it conforms to plan.

The parties involved in the construction industry (i.e. the clients, consultants and contractors) should try and fulfill their agreement to the last letter.

Government should ensure accessibility to fund by both public and private developers in all our financial institutions.

Cost of building materials should be reduced by government policy.

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