ABSTRACT

Lakowe is one of the coastal regions below sea level. One of the proper measures to be taken to ensure safety for residents in the community is using quality plumbing materials during the construction of houses and roads to avoid environmental mishaps. The study therefore assessed the effect of environmental hazards on the purchase of high quality plumbing materials in Lakowe community in Ibeju Lekki Local Government Area. Some of the objectives of the study are; to examine the effect of environmental hazards in the community and suggest possible ways environmental problems can be solved. Out of the 3000 houses in the area, 90 residents were randomly selected and used for the study. some One key finding is that to a large extent, environmental hazards affect the choice and purchase of high quality plumbing materials in Lakowe.  The residents also agree that environmental hazards such as flooding, erosion etc. is common with Lakowe community. The study therefore recommended that residents of Lakowe should make use of high quality plumbing materials in their environment to avoid hazards such as erosion among others.

Key words: Coastal region, environmental hazards, Plumbing materials. 

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

Lakowe is one of the prominent communities in Ibeju Lekki Local Government Area, which is also part of what is popularly referred to as the “New Lagos” (Okereke, 2014).

It comprises of phase 1 which is popularly known as Adeba, Lakowe Lakes Estate and Gulf Estate Phase II. Although there are many other people from different parts of the country and the world residing in Lakowe especially in the existing estates, its dominant population are mainly Ijebu speakers who engage in fishing, petty trades, motorcycling, mason, serving and farming.

Furthermore, most area of Lakowe community is below sea level (Addynamo, 2012). The soil is sandy around the coastal part while some parts are muddy and is usually swampy. Since coastal zones represents a transaction between purely terrestrial and marine environment, the community is not void of certain factors which could have negative effects such as soil and coastal erosion, water pollution, population pressure, sea level rise, flooding among others (Owolabi, 2010). The combination of these myriads of problems renders the coastal environment fragile and therefore poses the need for good construction material. 

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Since Lakowe is one of the most populated communities in Ibeju Lekki with local, national and international residents, it is therefore imperative that the present environmental hazards such as flooding, sea level rise and erosion perpetrated by the dominance of the sea surrounding it be properly controlled in order to avoid bad roads, stagnant water, blocked drainage systems among others. In view of this need, one would expect that proper measures be taken to make sure that the environment remains secure for humans.

One of the ways to achieve this is by using quality plumbing materials during the construction of houses. Such materials include quality pipes, pumping machine, drainage system, non-return value among others. This shows that the control of environmental harzards in Lakowe is dependent upon the proper use of plumbing materials and noted that unless such materials are used, the environmental factors surrounding Lakowe will continue to pose a problem to its residents.

1.3  Aim and Objectives of the Study

The aim of this study is to ascertain the effect of environmental factor on purchase of high quality plumbing materials.  The objectives of the study are to:

        i.            Identify the environmental hazards common in Lakowe community caused by inferior quality of plumbing materials.

     ii.            Examine the effect of environmental hazards on the community.

   iii.            Determine the impact of quality of plumbing materials on professional builders in Lakowe

   iv.            Suggest possible ways environmental problems can be solved

1.4  Research Questions

In order for the study to be guided, the following research questions were asked:

        i.            What are the environmental hazards common in Lakowe Community?

     ii.            What is the effect of environmental hazards as it affects Lakowe community?

   iii.            What is the impact of quality plumbing materials on professional builders in Lakowe?

   iv.            What are the possible ways of solving environmental problems in Lakowe.

1.5 Research Hypothesis

1.                  There are no environmental hazards common in Lakowe community.

2.                  There is no significant relationship between environmental hazards in Lakowe community.

3.                  There will be no impact of quality plumbing materials on professional to builders

1.6 Scope of the Study

The study focuses on environmental hazards and Lakowe community in Ibeju Lekki Local Government, Lagos State, South West Nigeria where the study was carried out.The researcher has chosen to limit the study to assessment of environmental on the purchase of high quality materials in Lakowe in Ibeju Lekki Local Government, Lagos State due to the fact that considering the entire Lagos state will be tedious. Findings from the study would be useful to Ibeju Lekki Local Government and may be useful for further study.