Background of the study
The construction sector makes a considerable contribution to the economy, and its operations are vital to fulfilling national socioeconomic development goals such as supplying housing, infrastructure, and jobs (Anaman & Osei-Amponsah, 2007). Several experts have investigated the role of building in the national economy. The construction sector and its operations, according to Khan (2008), are one of the most significant drivers of economic growth, development, and activity. The construction and engineering services business is crucial to the country's economic development and progress.
The construction sector is also a key source of employment, employing millions of unskilled, semi-skilled, and skilled employees. The construction business, according to Park (1989), has one of the strongest multiplier effects due to its extensive backward and forward links with other industries. Ofori (1990) emphasized the importance of construction in the national economy, attributing it to the industry's strong interconnection. The construction sector is seen as an important and quantifiable input to the development process (Field & Ofori, 1988). According to the World Bank, the importance of the construction industry arises from its tight ties with other sectors of the economy (1984). A large body of published and anecdotal evidence suggests that the construction industry has among the highest rates of corruption; construction projects invariably take longer than planned; overrun budgets; rarely add value; expose workers to irresponsible and life-threatening risks; manifests a wide range of symptoms (Edwards 2002; ILO 2000; Wyk and Chege 2004; Woudhuysen and Abley 2004). Unfortunately, governments have not promoted the construction industry to be a driver of economic development, making it one of the most underserved businesses. This is reflected in government policies that are unconcerned about the construction sector.
1.2 Statement of the problem
The COVID-19 pandemic has wrecked havoc on the workplace. It has had a significant impact on the construction sector, which differs depending on the industry. Because construction is prone to economic cycles, construction businesses and employees are particularly exposed to the pandemic's significant decline in economic activity. The increasing health concerns associated with COVID-19 exacerbated the sector's workforce shortages (ILO, 2015).
Residential and non-residential building construction, reconstruction, remodeling, and demolition, as well as work on civil engineering projects such as roads and utility systems, are examples of construction activities (ILO, 2015). Among the industry segments engaged are architecture and building, equipment and material production, transportation, and energy and waste management. Prior to the pandemic, the construction sector employed around 7.7 percent of the worldwide workforce (ILO, 2020), with projections indicating that it will generate 13.4 percent of global GDP by 2020. (2015) (GCPOE). However, dropping sales and escalating project execution issues forced the industry to decline in most markets during the present crisis (Engineering News Record, 2020), negatively impacting labor.
Lockdowns in the construction sector have varied greatly by region and project type, based on the severity of the public health hazard, as well as the timing and rigor of confinement measures (Global Construction Review, 2020). In certain nations, construction operations were judged obligatory. Timely building of emergency facilities and hospitals, for example, was crucial in China and Italy (World Economic Forum, 2020). As part of containment efforts, construction projects in other nations were entirely or partially shut down. In light of the foregoing premise, the purpose of this research is to critically survey the covid-19 pandemic and its impacts and effects on construction projects in Nigeria.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
The primary aim of this study is to critically survey the covid-19 pandemic and its impacts and effects on construction projects in Nigeria. Specifically, the objectives of this study are:
1.4 Research Questions
1.5 Research Hypothesis
This study shall test the validity of the following hypotheses:
H0: There is no significant effect of covid-19 pandemic on Nigeria construction projects.
H1: There is a significant effect of covid-19 pandemic on Nigeria Construction projects.
1.6 Significance of the study
The aim of this study is to inform the research audience about some of the effects of covid-19 on construction projects. This research would help stakeholders and decision-makers because the results would show specifically how construction projects were affected, allowing decision-makers to devise and enforce strategies and methods that will mitigate the impact of similar situations in the future. This analysis would also be beneficial to students and researchers because the findings will be useful for future studies. Finally, this study is a contribution to the body of knowledge.
1.7 Scope and limitation of the study
This research focuses on building projects carried out by construction experts such as architects, civil engineers, quantity surveyors, and so on. The aim is to examine and explain how the covid-19 pandemic influenced Nigerian construction projects. However, due to the descriptive nature of this report, respondents will be limited to Kaduna Metropolis, Kaduna state, Nigeria. It is worth noting that the responses elicited from study participants were used to infer generalization.
1.8 Definition of terms
Covid-19 pandemic: A global airborne virus outbreak that could be transmitted from person to person.
Construction projects: These are construction activities involving design, fabrication and actual construction of houses, roads, bridges, any public or private undertaken.
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