Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Abandoned buildings have long been recognized as magnets for various types of criminal activities. This research project aims to explore the relationship between abandoned buildings and crime rates in urban areas. The study will investigate how the presence of abandoned buildings influences the likelihood of criminal behavior, including vandalism, drug-related activities, and violent crimes. The research will employ a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative analysis of crime data with qualitative interviews and observations in neighborhoods with high concentrations of abandoned properties. By analyzing crime statistics and conducting interviews with residents, law enforcement officers, and community leaders, the study seeks to uncover the mechanisms through which abandoned buildings contribute to increased crime rates. The findings of this research are expected to provide valuable insights for policymakers, urban planners, and community organizations seeking to address issues related to urban blight and crime prevention. By understanding the impact of abandoned buildings on crime, stakeholders can develop targeted strategies to revitalize neighborhoods and improve public safety. Overall, this research project aims to contribute to the existing literature on the effects of abandoned buildings on crime and provide practical recommendations for reducing criminal activity in urban areas with high rates of property abandonment. The study's results may inform future policy decisions and community initiatives aimed at addressing the root causes of crime in neighborhoods with significant numbers of abandoned buildings.

Thesis Overview

INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY
Abandoned projects and construction failure including building and other civil engineering infrastructure development project like houses, churches, schools, roads, bridges, dams, tunnels, air port, sea port etc. litter the whole Nigeria. Osemenan (1987) reported that Nigeria has become the “world’s junk-yard of abandoned and failed projects worth billions of naira and it is greatly unthinkable that Nigeria blessed with so great potentials in the building and construction industry can experience such magnitude of project failure and abandonment. According to another report by

Kotangora (1993) there are about 4000 uncompleted or abandoned project belonging to the Federal Government of Nigeria with an estimated cost of above N 300 billion which will take 30 years to complete at the present execution capacity of government, also according to him this issue of abandonment and construction project failure is been left without adequate attention for too long which is now having a multiplier effect on the construction industry in particular and the national economy as a whole. The building and construction industry plays a very dominant role in the economy of any nation. A healthy economy usually experience an increase in building and construction activities, but in a depressed economy, the incidence of project abandonment and construction failures tends to be more prevalent. Akindoyeni (1989) qualitatively reasoned that some of the causes of project abandonment and construction failure in Nigeria are deaths of client, inability of client to attract fund and lack of good planning. abandoned buildings

The abandonment of development projects is the act of discontinuing any activities or maintenance works on such development project within a time frame of the contract agreement and with no intention of returning back to the development (Spelman, 1993). Similarly, O’Flaherty (1993) while reflecting on property development projects suggest that it is when an owner or developer is ceasing to provide the required maintenance management to a developed property. There could also be construction failure due to improper planning.
However, real property development projects being a capital intensive undertaking should be critically analyzed to ascertain its feasibility and viability before embarking on it. But, on several occasions and as it had been observed, governments, contractors and agencies have abandoned development projects mid-way into construction and completion. abandoned buildings

The causes and effects of these development projects abandonments and construction failure are not just peculiar to a particular reason rather cut across several reasons (Ayodele and Alabi, 2011), and as well as creating a total dwindling effects on the values of developed properties located close and within the vicinity. The expected prominence of any earmarked development projects is to be completed, while at the same time, adding values to the built environment aesthetics. Although, development projects are temporary endeavors undertaken to create a unique product and services with a defined beginning and ending date (Gardner, 2005). The accomplishment of such purposes should be realized at all times otherwise needless of such development (Gardner, 2005). The development projects specific in the study framework is infrastructural projects (such as; house, electricity, road, schools, and drainage). However, the study purpose is to investigate and assess the causes and effects of development projects abandonment and construction failure in Nigeria. abandoned buildings
l. 21, National Vacant Properties Campaign. abandond buildings