Influence of Building Maintenance Practices on the Security of Lives and Property in Public Housing in Lagos State, Nigeria

Abstract

The desire for security has continued to receive research attention globally. One of the critical aspects has been on how best to secure lives and property in residential neighbourhood in urban areas in the Global south. Although several approaches have been identified on how best to secure the home environment, less research attention has been given to the how maintenance practices can enhance security of lives and property in mass housing environments. This study investigated the influence of building maintenance practices on security of lives and property, using the Lagos State Development and Property Corporation (LSDPC) housing estates as case study. Household survey involving 1036 residents in 14 housing estates was conducted in the study area using questionnaire as the data collection instrument. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and categorical regression analysis. The result shows that spaces and components of the buildings under the control of individuals and/or households were more frequently maintained than those jointly used spaces. The pruning of flowers and trees, replacement of damaged doors in the buildings and sweeping of open spaces emerged as the top three maintenance practices with the most significant influence on the residents’ perception of security of lives and property in the estates. The study implies that maintenance activities should be focused on these three aspects with more attention given to jointly owned and used spaces and facilities if security of lives and property is to be achieved in mass housing environments.