Investigation of Site Selection Criteria for Building Construction in Flood-Prone Areas of Anambra State

Flooding is a recurring catastrophe in Anambra State, South East Nigeria, and inappropriate building site selection in flood-prone areas significantly amplifies building damage and loss of life during flood events. This study investigated the site selection criteria and practices used for building construction in three flood-prone communities: Otuocha, Oguta, and Ogbaru in Anambra State. A mixed-methods design combined structured interviews with 120 homeowners and 30 building professionals with field surveys assessing the flood exposure of 90 buildings constructed within the last 10 years. Site selection criteria were ranked by homeowners and compared with professional standards. Results showed that land cost and proximity to livelihood activities were the highest-ranked site selection criteria by homeowners, while flood risk assessment ranked eighth of 10 criteria. Only 11% of homeowners had consulted a building professional before site selection. Field survey showed that 67% of recently constructed buildings showed evidence of flood damage in at least one rainy season. Flood indicators such as high-water marks on existing structures were ignored during site selection in 84% of cases. The study concludes that site selection practices in Anambra State flood-prone areas are driven by economic rather than safety considerations, and recommends mandatory flood risk assessment as a prerequisite for building permits in designated flood-risk zones.

Keywords: site selection, flood-prone areas, building damage, Anambra State, flood risk