ILLEGAL APPENDAGES TO RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS IN KUMASI, GHANA A CASE STUDY OF NORTH SUNTRESO
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Keywords
Health and Safety, Illegal Appendages, Physical Planning, Property Values, Residential Buildings, Ghana
Abstract
Global estimates suggest that much of the anticipated growth in the world will occur in the developing world of which Ghana is no exception. As at 1985, it was estimated that if Kumasi could achieve a room occupancy rate of three, then its housing stock should at least double at the time. This evident inadequacy of urban space particularly for housing development and the continuous population growth in Kumasi has fuelled the proliferation of illegal appendages to residential buildings at an alarming rate. Illegal appendages, have been an aspect of the after construction process that have been ignored by many the world over. This paper examines the extent of this occurrence, its causes and effects on the health and safety (H&S) of inhabitants of the area as well as on the physical planning of the area and the value of such properties. A questionnaire survey approach coupled with physical inspection was adopted for the study. Data from the survey was largely analyzed using descriptive statistics. The study confirmed ‘population growth’, ‘inadequate space’, ‘commercialisation of facilities’ and ‘inadequate knowledge of the Building Regulations’ as the major causes of this phenomenon. Findings from the study points to ‘effect on the value of such properties’, ‘effect on spatial planning’, ‘effect on indoor conditions such as lighting and ventilation’ and ‘structural effects’ as the most significant effects of such additions to buildings. This paper provides the much needed insight into the problem and makes recommendations to include in the formulation of effective building safety policies for such urban areas.
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