INVESTIGATION OF THE FACTORS AFFECTING CRAFTSMEN PRODUCTIVITY IN THE BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY IN RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to identify the factors and determine the extent to which they affect craftsmen productivity in Rivers State, Nigeria. To achieve this, a total of 125 questionnaires out of a population target of 182 were distributed to stakeholders in the building industry in all the 23 LGAs of Rivers State to randomly sample their opinions on the subject matter. Out of this, 100 were returned, while 90 were valid. The respondents’ opinions were rated with a Likert scale while the RII was used to rank the 40 factors that affect craftsmen productivity. Z-score was used to test the hypothesis and reliability of the ranking for significance and non-significance at 5% confidence level. Result showed that the 10 highest ranked factors are; lack of materials, lack of tools/equipment, low wage, lack of experience late, irregular payments, faulty equipment, poor power/water supply, late materials delivery, poor planning and illegal community fees, while the lowest 10 ranked factors are; inspection delay, poor construction method, reworks, no incentive, crew size inefficiency, poor safety training, absenteeism, Government laws, worker retention policy, age and alcoholism. However, illegal fees (‘marching ground’) are a major challenge in Port Harcourt metropolis and some LGAs: Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, Khana, Gokana, Ikwerre, Okrika and Eleme. The z-score showed that the non-significant factors are: poor construction method, labour disputes, inspection delays, reworks, no incentives like lunch, crew size inefficiency, poor training on safety rules, absenteeism, age and alcoholism and drug abuse, while the other 25 are significant factors. Efficient resource management/job planning, effective skill development strategy through practical oriented technical and vocational programmes, enhanced motivation, adequate safety training mechanism and government provision of adequate security are amongst the recommended solutions to improve craftsmen productivity in Rivers State.