Efficient utilization of construction materials on sites in Ghana :a case study of Afadzato South district in the Volta Region

Abstract

In the world over, the critical role of the construction industry cannot be downplayed. It plays the vital role of infrastructural and economic development in all nations. The specific objectives of the study were to examine issues of materials wastage in construction; to identify factors contributing to waste of construction materials; and to devise strategies to minimize construction waste on construction sites in the Afadzato South District. The study adopted a descriptive survey approach. A questionnaire was developed and administered to site managers, supervisors and workers of construction firms. A simple random sample of 56 site managers working with the Afadzato South District were selected out of a total population one hundred and sixty eight (168). A response rate of ninety four (94%) percent was achieved from the survey questionnaires administered. Results of the study indicate that minimizing waste at source of origin only; combination of re-using waste and minimizing waste at source of origin; and a combination of re-using waste, recycling waste and minimizing waste at the source of origin were the waste minimization strategies. Further results also indicate that unavailability of properly engineered disposal sites and waste management plants; high disposal/tipping cost; lack of planning for waste management; high cost of waste recycling; lack of funds for equipment and training; lack of legal knowledge and environmental regulation and programmes on waste; no attention on waste reduction at the planning and design stage; lack of proper policies and administrative systems by government for construction waste management; insufficient incentives for private projects to implement waste reduction measures; lack of space within site for separation and recycling; and lack of well-developed recycling industry and market for recycled products were the challenges of construction waste management. The study made some recommendations.