IMPACT OF OIL AND GAS EXPLORATION ON PHASE II OF THE BUILDING LIFE CYCLE

Purpose: The study was design to assess impact of oil and gas exploration on the building cycle with particular reference on the three oil producing communities of Akwa Ibom State- Eastern Obolo, Ikot Abasi and Ibeno. The research became necessary because oil and gas exploration has greatly affected buildings and environment in the region. Nigeria as a nation is blessed with abundant natural resources and crude oil contributes about 80% to Nigeria's government revenue. However, oil exploration, despite its contribution to government revenue, has some consequential environmental implications on buildings and environment of the host communities.

Design/methodology/approach: For the purpose of collecting data, a survey research design involving observation and assessment of structures was adopted for the research. A five point Likert scale was used in assessing building conditions using structural and environmental indicators as drawn from literature. A numeric figure of Very Poor =1, Poor=2, Partially Good =3, Good =4 and Very good=5. The assessment was carried out on buildings that are within 1m radius of the oil exploration site which thus constitute the population of the study. The buildings were further categorized into residential and commercial buildings. The sample size was drawn using 50% of the total building within the study area. The relative important index method was used in the study to determine perception of the level of impact of oil exploration on building.

Findings: The study reveals that there is a strong impact between emissions from the flare and buildings. Oil spillage and gas flaring are the causes of attendant problems the people of the area and that the most visible consequences of oil and gas exploration on buildings were corrosion of roof tops which resulted in changes in colour of roof tops and leakage of roof tops. This is caused by emissions of SO₂, NO₂ and PM₁₀ during gas flaring and oil spillage.

Originality/value: The findings from the study would serve as a useful tool not only to make informed decision on how to mitigate air pollution levels among the local population, but also justify the need for further research on the growing problem of oil and gas spillage and flaring in the oil and gas producing areas in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria.