Addressing flood challenges in Ghana : a case of the Accra metropolis

Abstract: Flooding has been a global pandemic for the past decade. In Ghana, it has been an annual tragedy occurrence, particularly in the capital city, Accra resulting in loss of lives and property. Regardless of the many suggested solutions in mitigating these floods, Ghana still experience excessive flooding. The study through an exploratory literature review methodology, reports on the challenges faced in addressing flood control strategies in the capital city of Ghana and makes recommendations for implementation. The study revealed that the single dimensional approach to flood management, lack of adequate funding, poor attitude of residence (Ghanaians) towards the environment and sanitation and finally the ad-hoc management solution to flood posed a major challenge in addressing flood situations. It is recommended that a more sustainable strategy for flood management, holistically addressing flood challenges, intensifying education and prompt prediction of flood occurrence and timely and adequate funding for flood management activities would help address flood challenges. The study makes contribution to literature on addressing flood challenges in Accra for consideration by city authorities

Biomimetic materials and technologies for carbon neutral cities in South Africa: a literature review

Abstract: The accelerating decline in the environment and increasing atmospheric concentration of greenhouse gases (GHGs) are closely linked to human activities. This has caused the menace of climate change with the impact globally felt. The continent of Africa, given its geographical location, is believed to be more vulnerable and will severely feel these impacts. To curtail this, mitigation and adaptation have been recognised as the most potent strategies to curtail the challenge of climate change. Increased adaptive capabilities of infrastructures and systems in South Africa is, therefore, imperative. This paper explores biomimicry, a new field that studies and emulates the forms, processes, and strategies found in natural organisms to solve human challenges. For its over 3.8 billion years of evolution, nature has effectively and efficiently tackled many of the challenges mankind is grappling wi th today. Hence, the objective of this study is to evaluate and present existing biomimetic materials and technologies which contribute less to the degradation of the environment. Biomimetic materials and technologies, known to possess sustainable credentials will reduce the release of GHGs and has the potential for carbon sequestration. The result will help offer sustainable alternatives to those materials and products which significantly contribute to the increase in carbon footprint

Biomimetic strategies for climate change mitigation in the built environment

Abstract: Out of the numerous challenges facing mankind globally, the impact of climate change poses more threat. These impacts include sea-level rise, more frequent floods from heavy rainfall and notably among others, intense droughts. Despite the United Nations anchored events and conferences geared towards tackling climate change, little success has been recorded till date. Biomimicry, a novel science and method that studies nature’s models and then emulates their forms, processes, and strategies offer a sustainable approach to this menace of climate change. It also has the potential to offer efficient alternatives to the human activities that contribute to the depletion and pollution of the environment. Hence, the objective of this paper is to evaluate and present the potential of biomimicry in for climate change mitigation in the built environment. An extant literature review was conducted on biomimicry and its roles in tackling climate change through mitigation and adaptation. The result explores various Biomimetic innovations and applications with their potential to sustainably mitigate the menace of climate change if adopted. This study is expected to refocus human efforts towards biomimicry where it is believed that nature, during its 3.8 billion years of existence has evolved with highly efficient processes and systems, with the potential to produce solutions to the environmental challenges facing mankind, especially climate change

Public-private partnership infrastructure projects in developing nations : lessons for the Nigerian construction industry

Abstract: That the need for Infrastructure in developing nations and particularly Africa has reached a critical point cannot be over-emphasized if the social and economic development needed by the teaming population must be met. Research has suggested some project delivery schemes/ procurement systems for achieving the task. Fall in global oil prices, fluctuating interest and inflations rates, with depletion in government revenues amongst others have made the traditional procurement systems unsustainable for most governments. Hence, the need for alternative sources to be sought. In the past three decades, Public Private Partnership and its variants have been adopted by governments both in the developed and developing nations as means for infrastructure delivery. The experience in some countries is rather nascent when compared to the years of engagement and extent of use of this model. The study uses an exploratory literature review methodology to evaluate the experience of the Nigerian Construction Industry and compare with the experience of some developing nations. This is with the aim of unpacking lessons from the failures or successes of these nations that can strength the current position of the country in its preparedness in using the model or otherwise. The study concludes by outlining some key lessons from other nations either directly or through World Bank Reports. This study provides industry practitioners and policy makers in the country an assessment guide to evaluating its position and working practices in the light of other developing nations

Environmental influences on sustainability dimensions in the South African construction industry

Abstract: The construction industry contributes significantly to the economic growth of developing countries including South Africa. The industry adds value to the quality of life of its citizen through the provision of necessary infrastructures. Notwithstanding its importance and contributions, the industry has been recognised as one of the largest environmental polluters. Its activities have significant impact on the quality of life of people and the environment. As such, sustainable development was recognised as prominent element for the improvement of quality of life through the maximisation and efficient use of natural resources to address issue related to social, economic and environment. Thus, this paper investigates the environmental sustainability dimensions that can influence the promotion of sustainable construction ideas in the South African construction industry. The participants were selected through non-probability convenience sampling techniques..

Waste control and management system in Polokwane Capricorn municipality district of South Africa

Abstract: The management of waste generated from the construction activities is a critical issue requiring serious and adequate attention. Construction waste constitutes nuisance to the construction environment and could lead to negative public impression of the construction industry as well as poor project performance, if not properly managed. Thus, this paper investigates the measures that can be taken for effective management of construction waste in the Polokwane municipality of South Africa. Data were collected using a questionnaire design. The targeted respondents were the contractors who are involve in various types of construction activities in Polokwane. Based on factors identified from the review of literature, the respondents were asked to rate the methods and measures that can be adopted for the effective control of construction waste in Polokwane..

Building Information Modelling Diffusion Research in Developing Countries: A User Meta-Model Approach

From MDPI via Jisc Publications RouterHistory: accepted 2021-04-28, pub-electronic 2021-06-22Publication status: PublishedBuilding information modelling (BIM) has become a common denominator for information management, efficiency, collaboration, and productivity in the construction industry. The adoption of building information modelling has been assessed to be unequal in the construction industry the world over. It has been observed that developing countries are struggling with BIM adoption and are at a beginner stage in the process. Meanwhile, there have been different research efforts focused on advancing BIM diffusion in developing countries. This study focused on reviewing the research trend and knowledge domains of BIM research in developing countries. The study analysed scholarly publications from selected developing countries sourced from the Scopus database from 2005 to 2019; the study covered BIM research efforts since their commencement in developing countries. The study identified the different research trends and the current focus through visualisations using VOS viewer software. The most influential and productive researchers were also identified. This research contributes to the extant body of knowledge by synthesizing the state of the art of BIM research in developing countries. Furthermore, it provides the pre-COVID-19 BIM diffusion status in developing countries

Key drivers of effective collaborative working in construction supply chain in South Africa

Recent research into construction supply chain, has identified need to pursue the drivers for effective collaborative working in construction project delivery. Identification and implementation of the drivers for effective collaboration is deemed to be the precursor for optimising the benefits of collaborative working in construction project delivery. However, there has been little research that focus on key drivers of collaborative working in the construction sector compared to the manufacturing, production and service delivery sectors.The aim of this study is to identify the key drivers for effective collaborative working in construction project delivery. The study primarily adopted an exploratory qualitative design using interviews on three case study projectsthatadopted collaborative working in South Africa. The data was analysed using thematic analysis. The results revealed, efficient operational governance practices in team work, effective Integration strategies in team management and people andenvironmental management strategies as the three main factor drivers for effective collaboration in construction business and project delivery. It further established effective communication, building trust, managerial and employee support & motivation and effective leadership as the under bedding tenets of these driving themes. The findings thus affirmed that the human behavioural and environmental factors cannot be overlooked if effective collaborative working in construction project delivery can be achieved. The drivers for effective collaborative working could be diverse with limited understanding of the key factors in the construction industry. The study has given an understanding of the key drivers of effective collaboration thatcan help stakeholders and practitioners to operationalise the factors in order to optimise the benefits of collaborative working in construction supply chain

Modelling the domino effect of advance payment system on project cash flow and organisational performance

Purpose Previous studies have postulated that an advance payment system (APS) positively impacts the contractor's working capital and is paramount to ensuring an efficient and effective project cash flow process. However, scant research has been undertaken to empirically establish the cash flow performance and domino effect of APS on project and organisational performance. Design/methodology/approach The epistemological design adopted a positivist philosophical stance augmented by deductive reasoning to explore the phenomena under investigation. Primary quantitative data were collected from 504 Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) registered contractors (within the grade bandings 1–9) in South Africa. A five-point Likert scale was utilised, and subsequent data accrued were analysed using structural equation modelling (SEM). Findings Emergent findings reveal that the mandatory use of an APS does not guarantee a positive project cash flow, an improvement in organisational performance or an improvement in project performance. Practical implications The ensuing discussion reveals the contributory influence of APS on positive cash flow and organisational performance, although APS implementation alone will not achieve these objectives. Practically, the research accentuates the need for various measures to be concurrently adopted (including APS) towards ensuring a positive project cash flow and improved organisational and project performance. Originality/value There is limited empirical research on cash flow performance and the domino effect of APS on project and organisational performance in South Africa, nor indeed, the wider geographical location of Africa as a continent. This study addresses this gap in the prevailing body of knowledge

An evaluation of the post occupancy experience of housing subsidy beneficiaries in South Africa : a case study of Gauteng

M.Tech.South Africa is one of the countries in the world that has delivered the highest number of houses to the poor through various delivery mechanisms. This was done to fulfill her vision of adequate housing for all, as reflected in the National Housing Policy framework. Over the last fifteen years, the African National Congress [ANC] led government has vigorously ensured that essential services were made available to advance the lives of ordinary people. Since 1994 to date, about 2 700 000 houses have been delivered, providing more than 13 million people with secure homes. One of the housing strategies, as contained in the National Housing Policy of 1994, was to provide subsidy assistance to low income groups to enable them to become home owners and improve their quality of life. The Housing Subsidy Scheme, adopted as the channel of delivery, has to date helped reduce the housing backlog and is tending to reach the goal of eradicating informal settlement by 2014. This research work is an evaluation of the post-occupancy experience of housing subsidy beneficiaries. The study evaluated satisfaction levels of subsidy beneficiaries, what beneficiaries actual do with the subsidized houses after they have been allocated to them, to ascertain if the subsidized houses have improved the beneficiaries’ lives. It also evaluates if the progressive strategy of housing to South Africa citizens is being realised; as well as determining government commitment in maintaining these houses. The methodology used for the study was both qualitative and quantitative. The quantitative research was conducted in four already established housing subsidy locations in Johannesburg, Gauteng Province of South Africa. A structured questionnaire with dichotomous, multiple choice, scaled, matrixtype and open-ended questions was used to conduct interviews and obtain data during the survey. Findings from the study revealed that the progressive strategy of housing is successful in fulfilling its vision to supply adequate housing to all its citizens. However, beneficiaries are not satisfied with the subsidized houses, because of the units’ sizes. Also, defects occurred in the houses delivered. These defects include roof leakages, cracks in walls, lack of finishing internally and externally, and defects in roof trusses. The cause of these defects was a result of poor quality control mechanisms put in place by the Department of Housing. Lastly, it was also revealed that the government has no plans in place to prevent slum conditions in the subsidized housing areas, by means of a well structured maintenance system. Based on the findings from the study, it is recommended that the Department of Housing and administrator of subsidized housing units in Gauteng should conduct a complete and thorough needs analysis of the beneficiaries of a proposed housing subsidy development, it is also recommended that government should provide as wide a choice of housing and tenure options as is reasonably possible. This can be achieved through the rental housing option. It is further recommended that the Gauteng Department of Housing should set up an independent section to carry out monitoring of subsidized houses during construction and formulate an appropriate maintenance culture that will help in encouraging beneficiaries to maintaining the subsidized house. In addition, the Department of Housing should move beyond the progressive realization of the right to adequate housing as contained in the South Africa Constitution, to the use of the housing to improve the lives of the citizens and lastly, the Gauteng Department of Housing should conduct more post-occupancy evaluations of housing subsidy beneficiaries’ experiences. By conducting more POE, the Department of Housing will be well informed of the satisfaction levels of the occupants whether the house is up to standard, if the houses have improved the lives of occupants and what actually they are doing with the houses once they are allocated to them