Disamenity Hazards and Rental Values in Surulere, Lagos Metropolis: A Perceptional Study of Power Lines

Abstract

Power line and associate disamenities have posed great risks in human habitations in the built and natural environments with various degrees of contaminations and hazards ranging from electrocution to property diminutions. This current study identifies and evaluates the various risk elements and hazards attributable to the power lines situated in residential neighbourhoods within the metropolis of Lagos State via perception. Data was collected through questionnaires distributed to both Estate Surveyors and Valuers and residents within 200m to power lines in Surulere area of Lagos metropolis. Average response rate of 66.5% was achieved and the data were analysed using descriptive and analytical statistics. The study established that both residents and Estate Surveyors and Valuers jointy identified “Fear of Falling Wires”, “Buzzing and Humming”, “Property Stimatization” and “Exposure to Electrical Radiation” from power lines as the four (4) major risk elements identified as having outstanding impacts on the rental value of residential properties. Perceived “Health Hazards” expressed by residents were further confirmed during the indepth interviews conducted with not only residents most proximal the Power lines but also the PHCN executives and field officers. The study suggests that locating all residential housing within the 25m Right of Ways in the state must be discouraged by the Power Holding Company of Nigeria and further concludes that the State government organise and enforce the continuous demolition drive of illegal structures already occupying the ROW in Surulere to protect lives and enhance income from residential real estate investments.

Key words: Power lines, Residential property, Rental Values, Perception and Estate Surveyors and Valuers.