Causes of Poor Workmanship in Low-Cost Housing Construction in South Africa

M. Maseti, E. Ayesu-Koranteng (), C. Amoah () and A. Adeniran ()
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M. Maseti: Nelson Mandela University
E. Ayesu-Koranteng: Nelson Mandela University
C. Amoah: University of the Free State
A. Adeniran: Nelson Mandela University

A chapter in Sustainable Education and Development – Sustainable Industrialization and Innovation, 2023, pp 40-51 from Springer

Abstract: Abstract Purpose: Poor quality workmanship is a cancer in the construction of government social housing in South Africa. The study aimed to establish the causes of poor workmanship in low-cost housing construction and determine strategies for improvement in George's local area. Design/Methodology/Approach: A quantitative study approach was used to collect data from various stakeholders involved in constructing low-cost housing in George's local area. The survey questionnaire was distributed personally to stakeholders within the target population using simple random sampling techniques. The collected data were analysed using Excel statistical tool. Findings: The study revealed that the causes of poor workmanship in low-cost housing construction are multifaceted. Prominent among them are cheap labour engagement, an insufficient workforce, the main contractor having limited control over sub-contractors, low subsidy from the government, lack of competency of building regulation inspectorate, scarce skills, use of unapproved materials, the poor performance of inspectors due to workload, among others. Research Limitations/Implications: The study was limited causes of poor workmanship in low-cost housing construction. Practical Implication: There is an urgent need to sensitise contractors on the effects of using cheap labour and unapproved building materials on construction quality. Government must also address the lack of capacity and unqualified individuals as building inspectors to ensure adequate supervision during the construction. The amount allocated to the municipalities for low-cost housing construction should be improved to encourage qualified contractors to participate in the project execution to improve quality performance. Originality/Value: The paper has insight into the leading causes of substandard low-cost houses constructed in George's local area for policies to be implemented to curtail this phenomenon, thereby saving defect and maintenance-related costs.

Keywords: Construction; Housing quality; Labour; low-cost housing; Poor workmanship (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:spr:sprchp:978-3-031-25998-2_4

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DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-25998-2_4

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