Building Collapse in Nsukka Urban: Exploring the Causes in Nsukka Urban

Abstract

Building collapse has become a recurrent and alarming issue in many urban centers across Nigeria, with Nsukka urban in Enugu State witnessing a noticeable rise in such incidents. The objective of this research work is to find out the factual causes of building collapses in Nsukka. The data used for this research work were gathered through questionnaires, which were randomly administered to the professional Estate Surveyors and Valuers, Architects, Town planners, Quantity Surveyors, Engineers (structural and civil), building contractors and landlords and from documented materials from authors who have written on building collapse. The findings of this research work reveal that the use of unqualified contractors and poor supervision services contribute immensely to building collapses (ie engineering factors). Besides, lack of enforcement of building codes by the relevant town planning officials (government policies), the type of composition components, economic factors and political policies also contribute to building collapse.The study recommended that qualified professionals in all aspects of building should be employed during building construction in order to appreciate and enjoy the structure fully, without much fear of collapse.