FUTY Journal of the Environment

Analysis of Adverse Environmental Effects of Water Supply Projects in Jos Metropolis, Nigeria

A. Y. Ali — 2023-10-05

The increasing demands for water resulting from economic growth, climate change, pollution, and concurrent population growth exert additional pressure on available resources. Consequently, this leads to escalated costs of water treatment, which has adverse effects on the environment. This study investigates the environmental impacts of water supply projects in Jos metropolis, including dams, reservoirs, tanks, pipelines, and treatment plants. It examines the effects on both government and individual water users, considering factors such as economic growth, climate change, pollution, and population growth. The study utilizes a combination of primary and secondary data, collecting primary data through questionnaires, interviews, and field observations, and secondary data from the Plateau State Water Board and other sources. Using a sample size of 378 respondents determined from a population of 23,453, structured questionnaires were administered, and the results were analyzed using frequency tables. The findings reveal negative consequences for communities located along floodplains, as well as adverse effects on the government, including environmental damage, the risk of dam breaches and breakages, flooding, species loss, and increased salinity levels. It is concluded that the Plateau State Water Board should prioritize maintenance practices to reduce the occurrence of dam breaches and breakages, ensuring sustainable water supply and mitigating the negative impacts of these projects. The study recommends continuous facility maintenance, adherence to land use plans, and prevention of facility overstretching as effective measures to minimize adverse effects. Implementing these recommendations can help mitigate the detrimental consequences on the environment and society, promoting sustainable water management and resource utilization.

Application of GIS-based Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Analysis for the Selection of Locations of Fire Stations

A. Babalola — 2023-10-05

The growth and development of the city of Ilorin over the years, as warranted the proper planning of the city, to attain urban growth and development sustainability. The purpose of the study is to use geographic information system (GIS) based multi-criteria decision-making analysis (GIS-MCDA) to select suitable locations for siting fire stations in the metropolis. This study utilized analytical hierarchical process (AHP) analysis in the GIS environment to select areas most suitable for siting fire stations within the region. Overall, 9 criteria factors such as population density, proximity to roads, slope, proximity to built-up areas, proximity to schools, proximity to hospitals, proximity to petrol stations, proximity to police stations, and including proximity to the existing fire stations were formulated based on the study area, and through comprehensive literature review. These criteria were weighted using AHP method, and integrated using the weighted overlay tool to produce the suitability map of the proposed locations for the fire stations. The resulting findings identifies 11 sites that are considered suitable for situating fire stations, with 5 amongst the 11 most suitable for siting new fire station locations. Also, the result of the study can assist policy makers in determining the most suitable locations of fire stations in cities. Follow up studies will focus on combining AHP with other techniques like Fuzzy logic and spatial modelling methods to facilitate the modification of the proposed method and its applications to the site selection processes.

Suitability Analysis for Urban Development in Kaduna Metropolis, Nigeria

F. I. Ebre — 2023-10-05

The pursuit of identifying suitable land for urban development in Kaduna metropolis is crucial for enhancing agricultural production, sustainable development, and efficient resource utilization in Nigeria. This research aimed to assess and designate areas with optimal characteristics for urban development. The criteria considered for the suitability analysis encompassed land use land cover, slope, elevation, proximity to the road network, and proximity to water bodies. To establish a comprehensive assessment framework, all criteria were standardized, and the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) was employed to assign appropriate weights to each criterion through pairwise comparison. The weighted overlay technique was subsequently applied to generate a suitability map for urban development. The findings obtained from the weighted overlay analysis indicate that approximately 6% of the study area is marginally suitable, while more than 77% exhibits a moderate level of suitability. Furthermore, approximately 17% of the total land area demonstrates a high level of suitability for urban development. Given the results, it is highly recommended that the Kaduna State Urban Development Agency (KASUPDA) incorporates the use of geospatial technologies such as geographic information system (GIS) and remote sensing, along with the analytical hierarchy process, for conducting comprehensive and reliable land suitability evaluations in any future urban development endeavors within the metropolis. By adopting such an approach, KASUPDA and other relevant stakeholders can make informed decisions, optimize resource allocation, and ensure sustainable urban development in Kaduna metropolis.

Geochemistry and Industrial Assessment of Limestone Beds in Guyuk Area, Northern Benue trough, Northeastern Nigeria

Y. B. Valdon — 2023-10-05

Limestone deposits occur within sedimentary formations in Guyuk, Nigeria. The growing demand of this crucial resource in Adamawa state and indeed Nigeria calls for its evaluation. Geologic investigation reveals three mappable lithofacies of crystalline limestone, shelly limestone and bioclastic limestone. These are intercalated with shales, mudstones and in some places bioclastic limestone. Chemical analysis of the limestone by X-ray fluorescence analysis reveals a mean composition of CaO (45.43%), MgO (0.46%), Feo3 (2.70%), AL2O3 (2.00%), SiO2 (6.20%). The Silica ratio (SiR) and alumina –iron ratio (AIR) are 1.23 and 0.81 respectively. These parameters suggest a moderate purity limestone that is suitable for the manufacture of Portland cement, lime for agricultural purposes, filler in construction industries, and raw material in the chemical industries.

Rework in the Nigerian Road Construction Projects: Prevention rather than Remediation

I. Umar — 2023-10-05

Rework is a significant factor contributing to both time and cost overruns in construction project delivery processes. It has been observed that rework costs in building and engineering projects range from 5% to 20% of the contract value, leading to adverse implications in various sectors such as road construction, commercial buildings, and industrial buildings. This study is aimed at identifying the main causes of rework in road construction projects in Nigeria. Quantitative research was conducted using a structured questionnaire distributed to professionals in the Nigerian Construction Industry. Out of the 98 questionnaires distributed to Quantity Surveyors, Land Surveyors, Services Engineers, and Civil Engineers, 71 valid responses were analyzed, representing a 72% response rate. The data analysis involved calculating the importance index of various factors and conducting an analysis of variance (ANOVA). The findings revealed that factors such as pressure to finalize work, scope definition, lack of design audits, inadequate training, misinterpretation due to knowledge gaps, omissions of checks, and incorrect information distribution were the primary contributors to rework in road construction projects. Interestingly, the one-way ANOVA showed no significant difference in opinions among respondents from different professional backgrounds within the Nigerian Construction Industry. By pinpointing these causes of rework and considering professional perspectives, this study offers valuable insights for mitigating rework challenges in Nigerian road construction projects. It emphasizes the need for proactive measures to address these causes, prevent rework, and enhance overall project efficiency.

Avian Species Assemblage in Three Tertiary Campuses Mirrors Species Composition in a Semi-Protected Forest in Gombe State-Nigeria

H. Tali — 2023-10-05

Marginal habitat alteration can benefit some bird species, but extensive modification negatively impacts species diversity and abundance by altering vegetation structure and composition. We surveyed three tertiary institutions with varying land modifications in Gombe State to compare bird species composition and abundance with a semi-protected, degraded natural landscape. sing line transect census, we surveyed morning and evening transects, recording 9,624 individuals of 100 bird species from 42 families and 73 genera. Kanawa Forest Reserve had the highest species richness (76), followed by FCET (67), FUK (59), and GSU (50), with Kanawa Forest Reserve having 22 exclusive species. However, species composition did not significantly differ among sites. Bird species abundance varied across species and study sites, with the Laughing Dove (Streptopelia senegalensis) being the most abundant species (651 individuals at GSU). Other notable species included the Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis) at FCE (T) with 571 individuals, the Purple Glossy Starling (Lamprotornis purpureus) at FUK with 303 individuals, and the Northern Grey Headed Sparrow (Passer griseus) at KFR with 244 individuals. Each campus hosts a unique assemblage of bird species, contributing significantly to overall avian diversity in Gombe State. We recommend minimizing alterations, particularly in remaining woodlands, and establishing additional green areas to promote heterogeneity in modified landscapes. This approach will enhance campus capacity to support diverse bird species, especially those with specific habitat requirements.

Professional Perspectives on Factors Influencing the Capture and Reuse of Project Knowledge in the Nigerian Construction Industry

H. Idris — 2023-10-05

The construction industry's struggle to align with the knowledge economy has resulted in underperformance, as meeting client expectations for cost, quality, and timeliness becomes challenging due to project knowledge loss. This study aims to identify factors contributing to valuable knowledge loss in construction projects, caused by inadequate knowledge management practices. Objectives include identifying and evaluating factors affecting project knowledge capture and reuse through literature review and assessing construction professionals' perceptions. A quantitative approach employing a questionnaire survey was adopted, with a sample of 209 firms selected from a population of 1,962 registered construction firms with the Cooperate Affair Commission (CAC) in Abuja. Self-administered questionnaires were used for data collection, employing simple random sampling. Descriptive analysis using SPSS identified factors influencing project knowledge capture and reuse, including personnel changes, the need for standardized knowledge capture and sharing platforms, employee retirements and transfers, the perception of knowledge as a competitive edge, outsourcing, organizational culture, team separation after project completion, motivation, self-confidence, and death. Findings highlighted the significance of standardized knowledge capture and sharing platforms (Mean=3.90) and team separation after project completion (Mean=3.86) in affecting project knowledge capture and reuse, as reported by construction professionals. Therefore, this study concludes that establishing standardized knowledge management platforms and effectively managing team separation after project completion are crucial for preventing knowledge loss. Construction firms are recommended to prioritize the establishment of standardized platforms to enhance project performance and mitigate knowledge loss.

Appraisal of the Distribution and Nexus of Emergency Response Facilities in Ungogo Local Government Area, Kano State, Nigeria

A. U. Raji — 2023-10-05

This study assesses the spatial distribution and interrelationship of emergency response facilities in Ungogo Local Government (LGA), of Kano metropolis facing challenges with emergency services. Previous research on emergency spatial distribution has not adequately examined the relationship among primary healthcare, police services, and fire services facilities. The objective of this paper is to analyze the existing spatial distribution of emergency service facilities in the study area, as well as determine the interrelationship between primary healthcare centers (PHC), fire stations, and police stations. A survey research design was employed, with a population of 42 respondents selected through purposive sampling. Nearest Neighbor Analysis (NNA) was employed, and the findings reveal both clustered and dispersed distribution patterns of PHC and police stations in the LGA. The study identifies a correlation between poor response time in primary healthcare services and the services rendered by the PHC, while the fire station demonstrates the most efficient response time of less than 4 minutes. Pearson correlation analysis confirms a positive relationship among the three emergency service facilities. Based on a 5-kilometer buffer analysis, the distribution of PHC indicates adequacy, whereas the distribution of fire service stations indicates significant inadequacy. The study recommends the provision of adequate facilities in underserved areas and the establishment of a centralized means of communication to enhance emergency coordination.