ANALYSIS OF DEFECTS IN DISTRICT ASSEMBLY RESIDENTIAL FACILITIES: A CASE STUDY OF NADOWLI-KALEO DISTRICT OF UPPER WEST REGION, GHANA

ABSTRACT

General building infrastructure constitute a higher proportion of the country’s investment. It is therefore of primary importance that, these facilities are free from defects in order that, they can serve both the architectural and aesthetical functions for which they were provided. It is the responsibility of Government through District Assemblies to provide befitting residential facilities for its staff in the districts. The aim of the study was to examine defects in District Assembly buildings and to make recommendations for remedying or preventing the defects. The study employed a mixed methods approach involving a survey and semi-structured interviews. For the survey strand, the population composed technical personnel of District Assemblies and occupants of bungalows. The interview participants were also technical personnel who were purposefully selected. A census approach was adopted for the survey part of the study. The findings of the study revealed that the most prevalent defects in the assembly buildings included; structural cracks (means score 3.73), defective wall finishes (means 3.67), dampness (means score 3.11) and uneven settlement of foundations (means score 2.84) in that order. Also, the findings of the study revealed that the main causes of defects in the buildings included; poor quality materials, user behavior, faulty design and poor supervision. Based on the aforementioned findings the study has made recommendations for remedial and preventive measures to be carried out. The study established the fact that, obsolete structures are more defective implying that there is a direct correlation between the age of building and its defects. Also, the use of inferior materials and goods during construction stage highly affect the life span of the structure.