Assessment of the socio-economic impacts of urban road construction projects in Suleja, Niger State, Nigeria: 2023-2024

Abstract

This study assessed the socio-economic impacts of urban road projects in Suleja, Niger state, Nigeria. The study was aimed at assessing the externalities of the urban construction projects on the residents and businesses in the area. The study adopted a survey research design adopting questionnaire as data collection instrument. A sample size of 400 was calculated for the study and questionnaires of the same amount were distributed for data collection, out of which 376 were correctly filled and returned for analysis. Collected data was analysed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages and mean statistics. The findings from the study revealed that road construction activities resulted in reduced business patronage, reduced income levels, loss of job, increased congestion and breathing difficulties due to dust emission. The study further established that despite the externalities, the residents were mostly satisfied with the project. The study concludes that road construction had severe negative impact on the socioeconomic life of the respondents. The study therefore recommended that adequate traffic management should be put in place to curtail congestion during construction. To reduce dust emission, water should be sprayed around construction areas, while compensation should be given to affected businesses and individuals who have suffered economic losses.