CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS & PROJECT MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE · Vol. 2021

Environmental implications of construction activities in a fast-growing city: A case study of Ota, Nigeria

Salisu, U. Obafemi, Ogunseye, N. Oluwaseun, Akanmu, A. Ademola, Fasina, S. Oluwagbenga, Solabi, W. Iyanda, Olanipekun A. Olawale

Keywords: Construction, environment, environmental implications, Nigeria, Ota city

Abstract

Globally, cities are regarded as engines of growth and sustainable development. However, the socio-environmental implications of rapid urbanisation and industrialisation, such as unprecedented construction activities, urban degradation and poverty exacerbation, have constrained cities from fulfilling their socio-economic function of providing a functional, livable, and sustainable environment. Ota, the case study city, has witnessed failures in the execution of policy frameworks and programmes aimed at conserving the environment through proper regulation and management of construction activities. It is based on this backdrop that this study examines the environmental implications of construction activities in Ota city, Nigeria. This study adopted a cross-sectional research design and a systematic random sampling technique was used to administer 400 copies of the questionnaire to residents of Ota. The study revealed that industrial agglomeration remained the major factor influencing rapid construction activities in Ota. Findings also revealed that factors such as social damage and urban structure damage (3.483), urban degradation and urban stress (3.188), increase in transport and logistics externalities (3.128), floods and erosion disaster (3.095), and loss of wildlife and green area (3.090) constitute the major negative impacts of construction activities on Ota city. The study concluded that an efficient and sustainable approach to the use and management of environmental resources and construction activities are needed for the development of a sustainable city. It recommended the implementation of sustainable measures capable of ameliorating the environmental implications of constructionactivities in Ota city, Nigeria and other cities with similar issues.