Analysis of risks factors associated with construction projects in urban wetlands ecosystem

Bibliographic Data

ID19499775
AuthorsGeorge Asumadu (0000-0002-5248-5703, Kumasi Technical University), Rhoda Ansah Quaigrain (0000-0003-2707-5320, University of Manitoba, corresponding author), De‐Graft Owusu‐Manu (0000-0001-5288-3210, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology), David J Edwards (0000-0001-9727-6000, Department of the Built Environment,Birmingham City University, Birmingham, UK and Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa), Eric Oduro-Ofori (0000-0003-1874-5951, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology), ASK Kukah (0000-0002-5863-8950, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology), S K Nsafoah (Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology)
Year2023
Volume30
Issue2
Pages198-210
Publication date2023-02-17
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueInternational Journal of Sustainable Development & World Ecology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1350-4509 • E-ISSN: 1745-2627
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/13504509.2022.2130465
OpenAlexW4304172261
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited44

Within some developing countries, wetlands have long been regarded as dumping grounds. However, there has been a gradual paradigm shift in societal attitudes towards recognising their importance as landscape features that provide benefits for humans and wildlife. Unfortunately, construction activities have continually plagued their existence. Therefore, this present research examines the risks factors associated with construction projects in wetlands ecosystem, using Ghana as a case study. A quantitative research strategy leaning towards the positivist paradigm was adopted. A structured survey was developed to collect data from key stakeholders. Purposive sampling was employed to recruit construction experts in the Kumasi Metropolis, with a total of 78 experts agreeing to participate. Relative Importance Index (RII), Mean Score Ranking and a One-Sample T-Test were used to analyse primary data collected. The findings revealed that the key driving forces spurring construction projects in wetlands were rapid urbanisation; high rate of migration; and scarcity of land for development. Critical risks factors associated with construction projects in wetlands were identified as cost overruns; exploitation of biological resources; and water pollution. Finally, the findings also showed that the most critical detrimental effects of construction projects in wetlands were the destruction of aquatic and terrestrial lives; loss of flood control capability; and deterioration of wetland water quality. The study recommends the protection and conservation of wetlands environments through systematized enactment and enforcement of environmental protection regulations by government and non-governmental institutions. This would ensure the preservation of important biodiversity and aid with pollution control and flood protection

Business · Ecosystem · Ecosystem services · Enforcement · Environmental planning · Environmental protection · Environmental resource management · Flood control · Flood myth · Geography · Scarcity · Urbanization · Wetland · Construction Project Management and Performance · Environmental Science · Public-Private Partnership Projects · Urban and Rural Development Challenges · Ecology

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