Journal of Emerging Trends in Economics and Management Sciences: Home

Abstract:
The rate of building failure in Nigeria especially Lagos State is very alarming and has resulted in the loss of lives, properties and even much financial investment is wasted. Every built structure is expected to satisfy the functional objectives that is safety, serviceability and economy. It is against this backdrop that the study sets out to identify the prevalent factors responsible for building collapse and also examines the degree of influence exerted by the factors, in order to formulate necessary steps of minimizing if not totally eradicate incidences of building collapse in the state. The study makes use of both primary and secondary data. The primary data was generated through the use of structured questionnaires administered to the stake holders in the construction industry within the state. Inferential statistics such as agreement index and chi square test of associations were used for the analysis. The result revealed five critical factors that need serious and urgent attention in developing strategies for overcoming collapse or failure of built structures in the state. The factors are non enforcement of building codes, conversion and disregard for approved drawings, use of substandard materials, poor workmanship and quackery. This study is an eye opener for the policy makers to ensure that building code is passed into law in Lagos state.

Keywords: building, building collapse, stakeholders, remedial measures

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