An Investigation into Application of Dry Construction Technique in Providing Low-cost Housing for Nigerians
Introduction
The application of the Dry Construction Technique represents a pivotal shift in how developing nations, particularly Nigeria, can address the chronic deficit in affordable housing.
As urbanization accelerates and traditional building methods become increasingly cost-prohibitive, the construction industry is forced to innovate. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the research conducted by Adegbenga Raphael Ashiru and Kamaldeen Jide Anifowose, published in Civil Engineering and Architecture (2021).The study investigates the viability, benefits, and challenges of adopting dry construction methods to deliver low-cost housing solutions for Nigerians. By examining the statistical data, policy implications, and technical advantages outlined in the document, we can understand why this methodology is not just an alternative but a necessary evolution for the Nigerian housing sector.
The Context: Nigeria’s Housing Deficit and the Need for Innovation
Nigeria faces a profound housing crisis, with over 80% of the labor force comprising low-income earners who cannot afford traditional housing. Despite various governmental interventions, including the "Housing for All by Year 2000" initiative and the 2012 National Housing Policy, the housing deficit continues to widen.
The traditional wet construction method, which relies heavily on cement, sand, and blocks, is plagued by long drying times, high material waste, and high logistical costs.
The application of dry construction technique emerges as a sustainable solution to these systemic issues. Unlike traditional methods, dry construction involves fabricating core building components in a factory and assembling them on-site without the use of mortar or water-intensive processes.
This shift is driven by the need for speed, cost-efficiency, and environmental sustainability.
The research highlights that the instability of crude oil prices and high funding costs for capital projects have placed the Nigerian construction industry in a tight spot, necessitating a move toward technology-efficient systems.
Understanding the Methodology: How the Study Was Conducted
To evaluate the application of dry construction technique, the researchers adopted a quantitative survey research design. The study focused on construction professionals in Kaduna, Nigeria, specifically targeting senior project managers, contractors, and consultants within small and medium-scale construction enterprises.
The methodology involved several key steps:
- Data Collection: Primary data was gathered through structured questionnaires distributed to 25 selected participants, with a response rate of 88% (22 responses). Secondary data was sourced from existing literature, journals, and industry reports.
- Sampling Strategy: A non-probability purposive sampling method was used to ensure that respondents had direct experience and strategic oversight of construction projects.
- Analysis Tools: The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS Version 16) was utilized for descriptive and inferential statistical analysis, including ANOVA and Spearman Correlation coefficients.
This rigorous approach allowed the researchers to draw objective conclusions about the perceived benefits and barriers to the application of the dry construction technique in the Nigerian context.
Key Benefits of the Application of the Dry Construction Technique
The study identifies several compelling advantages that make the application of the dry construction technique attractive for low-cost housing projects.
Speed and Efficiency
One of the most significant findings is the potential for time reduction. The research indicates that dry construction can drop construction time by up to 70% compared to traditional wet methods.
This speed is attributed to the prefabrication of components and the elimination of drying periods required for plaster and concrete. For government agencies and Primary Mortgage Institutions (PMIs), this translates to a faster turnover of housing units and quicker relief for the housing deficit.
Cost Reduction and Waste Minimization
The application of the dry construction technique offers moderate but significant potential for reducing housing construction costs. By minimizing material waste and reducing the need for heavy infrastructure and logistical support, overall project expenses are lowered.
The study notes that dry materials, such as gypsum boards, fiber cement, and Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) panels, are lightweight. This reduced weight leads to savings in structural and foundation costs, as less excavation and soil disturbance are required.
Environmental and Technical Advantages
Dry construction is inherently more environmentally friendly. The study highlights its potential for energy conservation, better thermal and acoustic insulation, and resistance to fire, moisture, and pests.
Materials like Kalsi performance cement board, produced by Nigerite Limited, exemplify the high-quality, durable options available in the Nigerian market. These materials contribute to green building practices, aligning with global trends toward sustainable construction.
Statistical Analysis: Quantifying the Impact
The statistical results provide robust evidence supporting the application of the dry construction technique.
Descriptive Statistics
Respondents acknowledged a huge housing deficit in Nigeria (Mean: 4.39). However, they reported low levels of direct involvement in and knowledge of dry construction techniques (Means: 2.36 and 2.64, respectively). This indicates a significant skills gap and a lack of widespread adoption, despite the recognized potential of the method.
Hypothesis Testing
The ANOVA results revealed a significant relationship between the potentials of dry construction and low-cost housing provision (F=12.204, P<0.05). The model showed that the application of the dry construction technique could account for a 29% positive change in the current situation of low-cost housing provision in Nigeria.
While this is a substantial improvement, the study acknowledges that 71% of the variance is influenced by other factors, such as land availability, financing, and policy implementation.
Correlation Analysis
Spearman Correlation coefficients demonstrated strong positive correlations between dry construction potentials and key housing measures. For instance, waste minimization and timely project completion were strongly correlated with relative reductions in housing costs. This statistical backing reinforces the argument that the application of dry construction technique is a viable strategy for cost-effective housing delivery.
Challenges and Barriers to Adoption
Despite its benefits, the application of dry construction technique faces several hurdles in Nigeria.
Skills Gap and Training
The study identifies a critical lack of skilled labor and training in dry construction methods. Respondents reported low levels of training (Mean: 2.75), suggesting that the workforce is not yet equipped to handle these new technologies effectively. Without consistent training and skill attainment, the quality of job delivery may suffer, undermining the potential benefits of the technique.
Perception and Awareness
There is a low prevalence of dry construction in Nigeria (Mean: 2.39), indicating that it is still viewed as a niche or unfamiliar method. Many stakeholders remain accustomed to traditional wet construction, leading to resistance to change. Increasing awareness and demonstrating successful case studies are essential to shifting this perception.
Financial and Institutional Constraints
While dry construction reduces building costs, the initial investment in technology and materials can be high. Additionally, the broader housing ecosystem in Nigeria suffers from inadequate financing, land tenure issues, and inconsistent policy implementation. The application of dry construction technique cannot succeed in isolation; it requires a supportive institutional framework.
Policy Recommendations for Stakeholders
To maximize the benefits of the application of the dry construction technique, the study offers several recommendations for government and industry stakeholders.
- Government Support: The federal and state governments should create enabling environments by providing land, sustainable policies, and access to finance. Implementing the National Housing Fund (NHF) Act provisions can attract funds from various sectors, including civil servants, into the mortgage market.
- Industry Innovation: Construction stakeholders should adopt a provider approach, focusing on innovation and technology to bridge the housing deficit. This includes investing in local manufacturing of dry construction materials to reduce costs and create jobs.
- Training and Education: There is an urgent need for upskilling the workforce. Professional bodies and educational institutions should incorporate dry construction techniques into their curricula and offer continuous professional development programs.
- Public Awareness: Campaigns to educate the public and private developers about the benefits of dry construction can help drive demand and acceptance.
Conclusion
The application of the dry construction technique offers a promising pathway to addressing Nigeria’s persistent housing deficit. By reducing construction time by up to 70%, minimizing waste, and lowering overall project costs, this method aligns with the needs of low-income earners and the goals of sustainable development.
However, its success depends on overcoming significant barriers, including skills gaps, financial constraints, and institutional inertia.
As the world moves toward environmentally friendly and efficient building practices, Nigeria must embrace this technological shift. The research by Ashiru and Anifowose provides a clear roadmap for stakeholders: invest in training, support local manufacturing, and create policies that foster innovation.
Only through a collaborative effort can the application of dry construction techniques realize its full potential in providing safe, affordable, and sustainable housing for all Nigerians.