THE IMPACT OF ILLEGAL STRUCTURES ON THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

According to Awoyera, Alfa, Odetoyan and Akinwumi (2020), structures are buildings that come in a variety of shapes and sizes, are made of diverse materials, and have certain functions, such as providing shelter for people and property. A building is constructed with safety, serviceability, and economy in mind.

Acquah-Harrison, (2004), defined unlawful construction (also known as illegal building or illegal housing) as construction work (or the product of such work) that does not have a valid building permit. According to Town Planning regulations, any additions or alterations to structures that do not receive prior approval from the Planning Authority are considered illegal building works, such as the illegal (unauthorized) construction of metal cages, air-conditioning cooling towers, canopies, rooftop structures, flat subdivision, structural alternations, and drainage connections. All unlawful construction projects are subject to destruction. Illegal structures are those that are built without authority, legal bureaucratic approval, and, in most cases, standard engineering controls and checks. Buildings can be declared unlawful for a variety of reasons (Acquah-Harrison, 2004).

Agbola, (2005) noticed that aside from the possible technical risks on uncontrolled construction sites and in completed structures, unlawful building activity may be a severe environmental infringement when it encroaches on preserve areas such as nature reserves. Similarly, illegal construction may have major political consequences when used as a means of obtaining land or illegally residing in other nations.

The construction industry have and continually raisisng projects to meet humans physical and social needs and also contribute significantly to the economic growth of the country’s GDP. Unfortunately, there are a lot of troubled buildings and infrastructures littering the skylines of many Nigerian towns, ready to collapse, while government authorities appear powerless due to a lack of manpower, resources, and equipment to carry out the necessary work.

The construction industry has been been affected by the rise of illegal structures and this has been compounded by the fact some of the construction companies have been compromised. Of recent, construction companies have been involved in shady deals contrary to their policies. This has led to untold effects with some being fatal.

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Building of illegal (unapproved) buildings inside urban area for commercial purposes has become a serious problem in most developing countries throughout the world, with Nigeria not being an exception (Acquah-Harrison, 2004). According to Weiner (2003), the Nigerian federal government once ordered the removal of all unlawful constructions in the Federal Capital Territory of Abuja, particularly those built on sewage lines, green spaces, and conservation zones.

Despite several international and local initiatives to address this issue, its prevalence continues to rise, particularly in developing-country towns and cities (Adjei-Mensah, 2010). According to research, unauthorized constructions are regularly built on public rights and locations protected for schools, open spaces, natural reserves, parks, highways, markets, and sanitary facilities (Adinyira and Anokye, 2013).

Further research has revealed the particular location of illegal constructions, many of which are distributed over agricultural grounds. The United Nations Environment Programme has called the practice as disturbing. Structures that are illegal pose a danger and threat to the environment, human lives and the economy (Adjei-Mensah, 2010).

(Pedro 2015) observed that of recent, there has been a cases of a building collapse which has claimed untold number of lives and it is interesting to note, that construction companies were singled out to be the culprits. Building collapses are occurring at an alarming rate in Nigeria, primarily in Port Harcourt, Abuja, Kaduna, and Lagos, resulting in serious injuries, loss of lives, and property damage, which has led to a slew of other issues such as loss of investment, bankruptcy, unemployment, physiological trauma, psychological truama, stroke, early death, and so on (Pedro, 2015).

1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The primary objective of this study is to examine the impact of illegal structures on the construction industry. Other aims of this study are:

a)       To find out the policies governing the construction industry.

b)      To examine the effectiveness of these policies in the construction industry

c)       To determine the extent illegal constructions has affected the construction industry.

d)      To find out if the inustry is adequately funded to carry out its duties effectively

1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

a.        What are the policies governing the construction industry?

b.       Are the policies governing the construction industry effective?

c.        To what extent has illegal constructions affected the construction industry?

d.       Is the industry adequately funded to carry out its duties effectively?

1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This study will be of great significance to the construction industry as it will show the effects of illegal constructions on the industry. It will also benefit the society as this study will show the adverse effects illegal constructions have on the environment, landscape, human lives and the socio-ecomic impacts. This study will further be of importance to the government as it will help put policies in place to effectively govern the construction industry.

This study will serve as an existing literature for future reference and further research.

1.6 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

This study will examine the effects of illegal structures on the construction industry. It will also discuss the policies governing the constructon industry. In addition, this study will see how effective these policies are.

In addition, construction industries in Lagos state will serve as enrolled participants for this research.

1.7 LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY

This study will be limited to the construction industry and no other industry. It will also be solely focused  on illegal constructions amd no other illegalities in the construction industry.

This study will be limited to only Lagos State and thus the research results cannot be used for other states in Nigeria and the world as a whole.

1.8 DEFINITION OF TERMS

Impact:  a marked effect or influence

Illegal structures: buildings without valid construction permit

Construction: the action of building something, typically a structure

Industry: economic activities concerned with producing of goods and servicies.