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Perceptions Of Strategies For Minimizing Skilled Labour Shortages For Building Projects Amongst Building Contractors In Lagos State, Nigeria
Get PDFThe aim of this study is to assess the perceptions of building contractors on strategies that can be adopted to overcome skilled labour shortages in the building industry. This is crucial as competitiveness is becoming entrenched in the industry for the survival of the practitioners. The client is requiring shorter time to carry out their projects and profit margins are reducing. Meanwhile, it is increasingly difficult to find skilled people in the various categories of artisans in building construction industry. There are also challenges of achieving good quality work as well as attendant time and cost overruns. Quantitative data was collected through a structured questionnaire survey using a five-point Likert scale for measurement of survey responses. The sample size of 115 was selected from the population using a simple random sampling technique. The study recommends that a standard training in organised institutions and supervised artisans’ training on building sites are critical to address skill labour shortages in order to have substantial artisans who are capable of high skilled work. This is needed by all categories of artisans for meeting the demands of the industry. Improvement in socio-economic status of artisans, performance recognition, and financial incentives should be given a priority in the work place. These will help to create a performance-enhancing environment for the industry
The Effect Of Clay Mining On The Quality Of River Eze In Ozubulu, Anambra State, Nigeria
Get PDFIn Nigeria, clay is a widely distributed and abundant mineral resource for major industrial processes with varied applications and uses. The unregulated means of harvesting clay resources has placed risks on water sustainability. Globally, water pollution is fast becoming a serious environmental problem caused by unsustainable human means of exploiting natural resources. The study investigated two clay mining sites and their effects on River Eze in Ozubulu, Anambra State during the rainy season. It employed survey and experimental methods. Laboratory analysis was used to determine the physiochemical parameters (pH, turbidity, TDS, EC, BOD, DO) of River Eze. The water samples were also tested for heavy metals (Pb and Zn) using spectrometer (AAS) analysis. A total of three (3) water samples were collected from River Eze and (1) water sample from River Odoakpu to serve as a control sample. The survey method included field observation, photography and structured questionnaires. A total of 150 questionnaires were randomly administered to the residents. Findings from the study indicated that (1) the water samples from River Eze had higher Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) levels than the permissible limits of the Federal Ministry of Environment (FMENV) , (2) the pH values were within the permissible limit set by the World Health Organisation (WHO), (3) the EC, TSS, TDS were within the permissible limits of WHO/FMENV standards,(4) the control sample has low BOD of 20mg/l and other parameters were within the permissible limit of FMENV, (5) the heavy metal (lead) values were higher than the permissible limits of WHO standards, however, zinc samples analysed were within the permissible limit set by WHO/FMENV. It was evident that the nearness of the clay harvesting sites to Eze River is major cause of pollution. The results indicated that River Eze may have a toxic effect on aquatic ecosystem and the health of the rural dwellers that use the river water directly for domestic purposes without treatment. The study recommended effective Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) practice, application of best sustainable practices for clay harvesting, enforcement of laws and policies covering environmental protection and regular water quality assessment
Rating The Components Of Indoor Environmental Quality In Students Classrooms In Warm Humid Climate Of Uli, Nigeria.
Get PDFThe indoor environment of classrooms needs to be comfortable for the occupants to perform their class work effectively. To achieve this objective, architects and engineers need to be proactive at the early design stage by considering the very component of Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) building occupants consider most as the hindrance to comfortable living. This paper presents the findings of a post-occupancy evaluation of students’ subjective responses to the various environmental qualities; lighting, odour, noise/acoustics and heat/thermal comfort in warm humid university classrooms. The aim was to rank the IEQ on the scale of students’ consideration for a comfortable indoor classroom work. This was done using questionnaire to get the subjective response from the respondents. The work was conducted in two university classrooms while the students were engaged in various class activities. Valid responses were gotten from sixty-five students. The result suggests that majority of occupants (62%) rated thermal comfort number one as the component of the IEQ that usually gives them the most concern, while 71% of the respondents rated ‘‘preference to sit beside windows’’. This result is consistent with earlier studies on IEQ attributes conducted in other climatic zones in Nigeria. The findings will be helpful to designers, engineers, facility maintenance managers when taking decisions in constructing sustainable classroom block
Accessing Agulu Lake Through The Application Of Remote Sensing And Geospatial Information Technology
Get PDFThe widespread availability of satellite imagery makes it possible to access and map even an inaccessible area by looking at it from space. Agulu Lake, a natural feature has so many mysteries surrounding its existence which make effective ground based research virtually impossible. The objective of this paper is to access Agulu Lake through the application of Remote Sensing. Mapping of Agulu Lake was carried out using IKONOS (2015) satellite image; the method adopted was digital image processing and cartographic procedures. The georeferenced and classified map was validated using Confusion Matrix Statistical tool after ground-truthing, acquisition of coordinates of selected Ground Control Points (GCPs) and field completion. It was also possible to map buildings and roads using the imagery and this was done to depict some development around the lake during the onscreen digitization. The acquired data were processed using ArcGIS 10.1 and ILWIS 3.3. The image classification was tested using Box Classifier and Minimum Distance Classifiers respectively and the Maximum Likelihood Classifiers result gave the best result with the Average Accuracy of 83.46 %, Average Reliability of 81.56 %, and Overall Accuracy of 86.49 %. The perimeter of the Lake is found to be 965,062.083 square metres and longest side of the Lake is 2,622.848 metres. The coordinate list of the lake perimeter was produced based on the WGS1984 UTM Zone 32N coordinate system. A buffer zone with a fixed distance 30 m which specifies a constant buffer distance was applied to the boundary line of the Lake and result showed that a building of the Idemili Cultural centre was the only infrastructure inside the buffer zone. The project recommends among others that the relevant institutions/government concerned, should use this information as a base map for monitoring the developments that affect the water quality and good tourism potentials of the lake and environs
Comparative Study Of The Influence Of Gated And Non Gated Residential Estates On Property Values In Edo State, Nigeria
Get PDFThe study demonstrated the influence of the gated estate on residential property value vis-a-vis the non-gated estate with specific focus on public residential estates in Benin City, Nigeria. The study sought to establish whether there are significant difference(s) in the rental values of gated and non gated residential estates, factors that influence choice of residential (gated and non-gated) estates and preferences for the requirement of a residential estate. To achieve this, structured questionnaire was administered to 20 household heads residents in C130 Estate which is a gated estate, out of which 18 were returned representing 90% response rate while 213 households’ heads who were randomly selected in the non-gated estates were administered questionnaire, out of which 191 copies were retrieved, representing 89.67% response rate. The census method was adopted in the distribution of questionnaire to the residents in the gated estate while the stratified random sampling technique was adopted in the distribution of questionnaire to the residents of the non-gated estates in the study area. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics, trend analysis and graphs. The study revealed that, there were significant difference between the rental value of gated and non-gated estates. The study further established that location, accessibility, nearness to place of work and security are important factors attracting home seekers to place of residence whether gated or non gated. However, good and regular water supply, good waste disposal system and functional amenities were discovered to be useful features required by home seekers in the choice of residential estate
A Comparative Analysis Of Land Use Charge Laws In Anambra, Edo, Lagos And Enugu States, Nigeria
Get PDFThis study was undertaken to identify and compare the provisions of the Anambra, Edo, Lagos and Enugu States Property and Land Use Charge laws based on the provisions of Land and Property Tax: A policy Guide of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT) 2011. The Chi Square test was employed to determine their differences and similarities. The study discovered that there is no significant difference between the provisions of the States’ property tax laws. Again, some of the States did not provide the basis for assessment of the tax, this shows that the tax systems are not transparent. Also not provided are information on the skills and training of tax assessors and the cycle for updating taxable values, among others. The study recommended that, the provisions of the tax laws should be reviewed to indicate the basis of allocation of the tax burden to tax payers since a transparent tax assessment system enhances public acceptability of the tax. The tax laws should also recognize estate surveyors and valuers as expert tax assessors since they are the professionals involved in valuation for property taxation. They should also be included as members of the tax assessment appeal panel so as to create a transparent assessment system. They should also be involved in the making of property tax laws in Nigeri
Proprietors’ Influence On Funding And Content Inclusion For Implementing Computer Aided Design Curriculum In Architecture Schools In Nigeria
Get PDFProprietors of Universities in Nigeria where the architecture program is offered can be categorised into three groups viz Federal, State and Private. The evolution of architectural education has necessitated curriculum changes to include emergent vital areas such as Computer Aided Design (CAD). Implementing these changes involves deploying additional resources to include new content, employ/retrain staff, build new infrastructure and acquire new equipment. This study sought to evaluate the impact that proprietorship had on inclusion of content and provision of funds for implementing CAD curriculum in universities with a view to developing strategies for encouraging successful implementation by the institutions. Survey research design focused on departments of architecture in National Universities Commission accredited universities in south-east Nigeria was employed. Data were obtained in the areas of content and ICT budgets for CAD implementation. A multi-stage, stratified, random sampling method was adopted. The first stage involved categorization of accredited departments. Sampling size formulae was applied to obtain respondents’ number in the second stage. Analysis of variance tool for testing differences of means was used for data analysis. With ρ<0.5, the study found significant differences between private-funded, state-funded and federal funded departments of architecture in the provision of content and ICT budget. The implications of these findings were that for effective implementation leading to achievement of CAD proficiency to occur in every institution regardless of proprietorship, guidelines for minimum acceptable attainment levels need to be set. A regular comparison of implementation levels in institutions was recommended as a means of rating performance and encouraging improvement. 
Eradication Of Extreme Poverty And Hunger Using Urban Agriculture As A Tool For Sustainable Livelihood
Get PDFIn order to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger and promote sustainable development through Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the United Nations Millennium Declaration was adopted in September 2000 at the largest ever gathering, committing countries both rich and poor to do all they can to eradicate poverty and hunger, promote human dignity and equality and achieve peace, democracy and environmental stability, achieve universal primary education, promoting gender equality and empower women, reduce child mortality, improve maternal health, combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases, ensure environmental sustainability and develop a global partnership for development. It is because of these and more especially goal one, to “eradicate extreme poverty and hunger”, that prompted this study. It focused on assessing the contribution of urban agriculture as a tool for sustainable livelihood in Kwale, Delta State. Emphases were laid on the characteristics of the urban farmers, major urban agricultural activities, its impact on household income and food security, and finally the challenges facing urban agriculture in the study area. Twenty (20) urban farmers were randomly selected from each of the four zones that encompass Kwale giving a sample size of eighty (80) respondents used for the study. Information obtained were analysed using simple descriptive statistics such as frequency distribution tables, percentages and bar charts. Two hypotheses were postulated and tested in the course of this study using Spearman’s correlation coefficient (rho). The findings from the study indicate that urban agriculture is an important source of supply in urban food system, income options for households, and creates full time employment. The challenges for urban farmer are land, inadequate capital, and high cost of labour. Since current employment situations in the urban areas do not generate adequate income for the poor urban population, it is therefore recommended that urban agriculture should be integrated into urban land use planning in the state as a source of urban income, employment and food security. Government as the principal land owner should liaise with individuals and group land owners to devise appropriate mechanisms to release undeveloped plots of land within and around the city for agricultural purposes. If some of these recommendations are properly addressed, urban agriculture would help to reduce urban poverty and achieve livelihood sustainabilit
Retail Activities In The Neglected Green Spaces In Owerri Urban: Assessment Of Ikenegbu And Aladinma Northern Extension Layouts
Get PDFUrban areas experience the pressure of economic activities due to the law of demand and supply. Human activities within the respective layouts generate a surge and demand of economic activities that make it imperative for planners to ensure adequate spatial provisions for exchange of goods and services within the respective neighbourhoods. The absence of neighbourhood shops in layouts in Owerri to accommodate retail activities in the layouts create opportunities for residents to use available spaces without identified specific functions for these activities. Neglected green spaces within the neighbourhoods, though structured into planning schemes have been misused and have become attractive for indiscriminate economic activities and negate the urban environment. The study was carried out on layouts in Old Owerri urban to find out how the neglected green spaces in layout could be used as well planned informal spaces for these retail activities that will offer relaxation and quick access to goods and service. This research will however focus on the findings for Ikenegbu layout and Aladinma Northern extension layouts only. The study was survey research using questionnaire administered on residents of 7 randomly selected layouts in Old Owerri urban after which 2 layouts were extracted for this study. Obtained data was analysed using the frequency distribution and the Chi square statistical tools. Findings reveal that if these spaces are integrated into the neighbourhoods, they would fulfill spatial demands for small neighbourhood retail outlets in Ikenegbu layout and Aladinma Northern extension layouts as well as relaxation for their residents and hence would improve quality of life of the residents
Nigeria’s Poor Urban Quality: A Challenge To Sustainable Environment
Get PDFNigerian cities have been found to be aesthetically displeasing and their urban setting described as chaotic. A typical Nigerian city has been described as being aesthetically distressing. The cities are not organized and are lacking in urban quality attributes when assessed with the five crystallizing elements of the city image- paths, nodes, edges, landmarks and districts. The origin and pattern of Nigerian cities revealed that the colonial urban centres evolved out of the commercial out posts and administrative centres. They were developed mainly along trade routes except where there were existing indigenous cities. The colonial cities were not meant to sustain themselves but to be fed by the surrounding countryside. The nation’s planning system has since remained trapped in the left-over colonial pattern with the planners concentrating more on development controls at the expense of advance planning. Development therefore speeds ahead of plans resulting to pseudo-urbanization. The cities’ characters are neither European nor African, but alien with lack of maintenance culture since they do not match with the lifestyle of the people that occupy them. The UN-Habitat states that planned urbanization is essential for Africa’s structural transformation and achievement of the continent’s Agenda 2063. It goes further to state that urbanization that occurs in unsustainable pattern can actually constrain economic growth. As the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) is being reviewed, this paper examines Nigerian cities to determine their environmental sustainability in accordance with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The paper asserts that the prevailing urban forms and patterns of Nigerian cities need to be re-organized and re-ordered to create enabling environment for their livability and sustainability. The paper goes further to suggest ways of improving the urban quality of the cities which include synergizing inputs of the urban professionals and the establishment of urban design departments in government development agencies and schools