Abandonment of Housing Projects in Nigeria: Appraisal of the Environmental and Socio-Economic Implications

Abstract

The rate of housing project abandonment in Nigeria is alarming and increasing by the day. Housing projects are supposed to be beneficial to both the individuals and society at large as it depicts the level of a country’s development. But the incessant abandonment of these housing projects undoubtedly has some negative impact on the people, real property values, the construction industry and the built environment. This study aimed at reviewing the effects of housing project abandonment with the objective of identifying the causes in Akwa Ibom and Cross River States respectively. The study employed a combination of literature review site visitations, discussions with focal group (occupants and host of abandoned housing projects) and quantitative research approach using Linkert Scale structured questionnaires. The questionnaire were distributed to respondents mainly professionals in the building industry as well as users of abandoned housing project using purposive sampling method. The data collected was analyzed using Relative Importance Index (R.I.I). Findings reveal that 38 causes of project abandonment and 22 negative effects of abandonment of housing projects include defacing the aesthetics of the urban environment, visual defects on the environment/project site; distortions of the landscape/urban planning, structural failure of building, environmental pollution, increased health problems, threat to lives/insecurity, and decreased economic activities among others. The study recommended availability of funds for project execution, proper costing and appropriate schedule of project duration, transparency in selection of competent and trusted contractors, involvement of stakeholders in project selection and approval, policy of continuity of project by successive administration.