Inaccurate cost estimation of painting works often leaves a client dissatisfied and mars the professional expertise of the quantity surveyor. This is because either excess quantity of paint is left behind after completion of the work or the paints purchased and budget allotted for the project is unable to finish the work. To this end, this study developed algorithmic equations for estimating the cost (material and labour) of painting works using the common types of paints in Anambra and Enugu state of south-east Nigeria and also validated them using current market rates. This was achieved via identifying the types and peculiar features of the common paints used in the study area, determination of the average quantity of paint needed per square meter (to assess the material constant for the  paints identified) and assessing the labour constant for the paints identified. Dulux, Homepride, Intercolour, Sharon (Vineyard) and Fine coat were among the common paint brands identified through market survey, interviews with the paint manufacturers, suppliers, painters and construction professionals and physical observation. Dulux was adjudged the most durable. Though quite expensive, it allows for creativity and flexibility and has an aesthetically pleasing outlook. The materials and labour constants were generated by physical observation, via a work study. The algorithmic equations developed are as follows: Up = Mc+ Lc; Mc = YAm x Cp; Lc = Y x Lp (thus: Up = YAm x Cp + YLp), where: Up = painting cost, Mc = Material cost, Lc = Labour cost, Y = Area of building to be painted, Am = Average quantity of the material per square meter (material constant), Cp = Cost of material per meter square, Lp = Cost of labour per square meter (labour constant). Validation of the model using current market rates of the last quarter of 2019 in the study area indicates that painting a wall of total area= 115.29 m2 using Sharon texcote paint for instance will cost N64,500. These equations not only have time saving potentials, they are also reliable when used for costing painting works involving the brand of paints surveyed. However, their efficacy relies heavily on accurate measurement of area of walls to be painted. These models are recommended for use by practicing quantity surveyors to generate feasibility cost estimates for painting works and shorten pre-contract time for both private and public clients.

The introduction of the ‘Cash-Lite; a cashless policy, by the Central Bank of Nigeria in 2011 has changed the modus operandi of the construction industry. This is because the industry is one of the few industries that deal mostly with cash. Hence, this study is aimed at examining the development and implementation of the Nigerian ‘Cash-Lite’ policy, with a view to ascertain its effects on construction practice. The study examined 300 construction stakeholders using questionnaires. Data obtained from these sources was analysed using charts, table of frequency, mean scores and Ztest. However, the data analysis was aided by a computer database software packages - SPSS Statistic. The study observed that the integration of cashless policy into construction work will boost productivity/construction output via reducing the rate of visit to banks, reducing theft/corruption, reducing project time and encourage prompt settlement of transaction. In addition to this, the study observed that the structure of the industry encourages the integration of this policy to construction but security (cyber theft), lack of knowledge, cost of installation and operation, reliability of the service and supporting services and low public acceptance are the major challenges affecting its adoption in construction. Finally, the study recommends that construction workers and other construction stakeholders should be properly sensitized on the use of cashless tools.

The traditional method of quantifying reinforced concrete steel reinforcements via taking off can be tedious, time consuming and prone to errors which can affect project success due to cost and schedule overruns, disputes and in certain cases, outright abandonment. In Nigeria, some quantity surveyors have developed ‘rule of thumb’ techniques to quantify reinforcements in order to beat pre-contract datelines based on their past experience, but there are still not widely accepted and a unified formulae or empirical basis of generating these quantities is still lacking. This study thus, developed easy-to-apply, time saving regression models for predicting the quantities/weight and material cost estimates of 16mm, 12mm and 8mm diameter high yield reinforcement bars in beams of varying sizes, using the volume of beam concrete as the independent or predictor variable. Data on concrete volume, weight of Y16, Y12 and Y8 reinforcement was collected via taking off/measurement process from 30 structural drawings of frame buildings of varying nature obtained from registered structural engineers and analyzed using correlation and regression statistics. Results indicate high coefficients of determination (R2) ranging from 0.82 to 0.92 which indicate that the predicted values from a forecast models fit with the real-life data. Thus, 3 predictive models were advanced as follows: WY16= -811.265+ 177.339 (Vc) ;WY12= -510.189 + 63.218(Vc); WY8  = -43.273+ 22.533 (Vc), where: W = reinforcement weight and Vc = volume of concrete. The study concludes that concrete volume is a good predictor variable when establishing the weight of reinforcement in beams. The import of these predictive models for construction cost professionals cannot be overemphasized for ease and accuracy of feasibility estimating, preparation of bills of quantities, material ordering, auditing construction costs, vetting consultants’ estimates and contractors’ quotations.

This study advances a conceptual Housing Budget Performance Model (HBPM) and adapts medium term strategy templates to the housing sector of Anambra State for improving her annual housing budget performance and ultimately, housing delivery. This became expedient due to the prevalence of problems facing the budget process of the State. The Anambra State Government is still faced with poor budget performance arising from a myriad of challenges. Lacks of templates to monitor/track performance during housing budget implementation and review implemented budgets have also been attributed as causal factors for poor performance. The basis or platform for constructing the proposed HBPM was anecdotal evidences and in-depth review of salient Ugochukwu et al.; AIR, 21(3): 51-70, 2020; Article no.AIR.55776 52 budgeting models The researchers employed critical thinking in constructing the schematic model and explaining the operationalization of the variables, while the proposed medium term expenditure framework drew largely from the existing medium term framework presently used by the agriculture sector of Anambra State since it played a major role in its revitalization and sustenance. The conceptual HBPM developed is a holistic one; harmonizing the conventional budget process/stages/procedures and the peculiar nature of housing construction tendering, estimating and management, which also makes it unique. The implication of this model is that it will ensure that housing budget activities are focused on objective allocation, rational considerations, efficient preparation procedures, appropriate duration, execution, utilization of funds, monitoring and citizen participation. The medium term housing budget monitoring and review templates incorporates variables for checking housing targets, outputs, user impact, variance analysis of work done and remedial measures, which should be done every 3 or 4 years to give ample time for the housing program to make progress. The study recommends the HBPM and templates for further validation and possible adoption by the Anambra State Government, ministries, departments and agencies of housing, budget and economic planning. Review Article

The importance of wind induced vibration is a key factor in the analysis, design and construction of high-rise building structures. Owing to scarce land resources, urbanization and ever-growing demand for accommodation is leading developers into sloping (hilly) grounds which in turn requires researches on the structural equilibrium of these structures. This study draws to mind the requirements of a fast-growing city of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja considering her vast undulating planes and plateaus, high altitudes and windspeeds (50 m/s). Here therein, lies a comparative study of different types of building configurations and responses for sloping grounds using approaches form seismic analyses as a background to achieving set objectives. The study therefore, attempts the application of a commonly used method (Static Wind Analysis, SWA) for analysis of wind loads on structures and also understudying the outcomes of applying the same loads using dynamic method (Response Spectrum Analysis, RSA). STAAD Pro V8i software was used to synthesize both analyses using the ASCE 705 code (wind speed-up over Hills) on 40 models for each analysis method for a 3x5 planar building configurations (G+6, G+8, G+12 and G+18) on grounds (0°, 6°, 14°, 18°, and 27°). The findings confirmed the complexities of sloping ground buildings with a greater chance of vibration and sway for SWA than in RSA. It was concluded, that the Stepback-setback (STPB-SETB) frames were better configured to combat wind loads on sloping grounds for both analyses. Recommendations includes, prioritizing the construction industry, collaboration with international bodies on High-rise development, developing a data base and wind testing facilities.