Sustainable construction through the implementation of post-occupancy evaluation practices : a case study of RDP buildings in Mpumalanga

Abstract

Abstract Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) buildings in South Africa were promulgated to alleviate poverty and provide better social services for previously disadvantaged South Africans by allocating tax money for development projects. However, there is a growing concern about the quality of housing developed under the RDP programmes. Post-occupancy evaluation is one of the measures that has been proposed to ensure the quality of these buildings is well understood and improved upon. The study sought to investigate the current status of post-occupancy evaluation (POE), understand the barriers to effective implementation of POE, and investigate the critical success factors and the benefits of POE in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa. To achieve this objective, the study adopted a quantitative approach utilising a questionnaire survey to expedite the collection of data, which was then analysed descriptively and inferentially. The study population was purposively selected due to the specific nature of the data collected. Professionals employed by the Department of Human Settlement in Mpumalanga and involved in the construction of the RDP building in Mpumalanga province provided the data. The findings indicate that the critical success factors for effective implementation of post-occupancy evaluation are: participation and commitment; leadership; education and skills; benchmarks and indicators; top management support; availability of resources; POE information management; and effective feedback. With respect to barriers that affect the effective implementation of the POE, the study identified the following: lack of adequate resources; lack of knowledge of POE procedures; lack of awareness of POE; lack of top management support; lack of coordination by departments; lack of owner’s knowledge of POE and benefits; and POE is not integrated into the scope of work of the facility department. The study posited that POE could provide the basis for necessary changes, help increase design know-how, determine building defects, increase building performance, reduce maintenance costs, and increase occupants’ satisfaction.