Challenges to Entrenching a Sustainable Building Regulatory Framework at Rural Communities in Enugu State of Nigeria |Chapter 6 | Current Research on Geography, Earth Science and Environment Vol. 4

 

The implementation of building regulations in rural Nigerian communities is uniquely challenged by socio-economic, cultural, and logistical factors. Effective building standards are critical for reducing risks associated with unsafe construction, as an estimated 40% of structures in rural Nigeria face structural issues or hazards due to non-compliance. This study investigates the barriers to implementing building regulations in Nigeria's rural communities, where such regulations are vital for ensuring structural safety, environmental sustainability, and adherence to planning standards. This research is centred in Enugu State, comprising 17 rural Local Government Areas (LGAs) located in southeastern Nigeria. Using a mixed-method approach involving a structured survey with architects, town planners, and community leaders, as the three critical stakeholder groups. This is a quantitative study. A purposive sampling technique was employed. The census sample size for the survey was 253. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations, were used to summarise the data. The study revealed the key challenges that include limited awareness of regulations, inadequate enforcement mechanisms, socio-economic constraints, cultural resistance, and lack of technical and financial resources. The survey findings revealed that 61.2 % of respondents express a high level of awareness of campaigns and training programs for local artisans (53.1%), indicating a positive inclination towards embracing new approaches. Moreover, logistical impediments, such as inadequate infrastructure (48%) and insufficient personnel or transportation (35%), exacerbate these challenges, reflecting the structural hurdles faced by regulatory bodies in rural areas. The findings underscore the need for targeted strategies to enhance regulatory awareness, improve inter-stakeholder cooperation, and address resource shortages. This research proposes actionable recommendations aimed at creating a more adaptive regulatory framework that aligns with rural realities, promoting safer and more sustainable building practices across Nigeria’s rural communities.

 

 

Author(s) Details

Ozigbo, Ikechukwu William-Johnson
Department of Estate Management, Faculty of Environmental Studies, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Nigeria.

 

Ozigbo, Chinelo Adline
Department of Estate Management, Faculty of Environmental Studies, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Nigeria.

 

Mba, Emeka Joseph
Department of Architecture, Faculty of Environmental Studies, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Nigeria.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/crgese/v4/6408