EFFECTS OF ABANDONED ROAD CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS ON THE RESIDENTS OF AWKA SOUTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA

Road construction projects play an important role in enhancing mobility, economic activities, and social well-being. However, when abandoned, they often create more challenges than benefits for affected communities. Consequently, abandoned road projects have become recurring problems that disrupt environmental stability and socioeconomic development. This study evaluated the environmental and socioeconomic effects of abandoned road construction projects on residents of Awka South L. G. A. of Anambra State. The study employed a survey research design. The population for this study comprised all the residents of the five towns of Amawbia, Awka, Isiagu, Nibo and Okpuno in Awka South Local Government Area. The selected roads are; Dan Mmaduka Avenue, Amawbia, Ifite road, Awka, Isiagu Road, Isiagu, Onyenwochi road, Nibo and ObyOkoli Avenue, Okpuno. Sampling combined purposive, proportionate stratified, and systematic techniques to ensure representativeness across five locations. The study employed structured questionnaire as the primary instrument for data collection, targeting residents within a 500-meter radius of abandoned road projects in Awka South L. G. A. Using Yamane’s formula, a sample size of 399 was determined, with 386 valid responses returned (96.7% rate). In addition, semi-structured interviews with health workers, business owners, and drivers provided qualitative insights. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA. Environmental issues identified include air pollution (32.6%), erosion (23.1%), water stagnation (15.3%), and flooding (14.2%), while socioeconomic effects include increased transport costs (34.5%), loss of business income (23.1%), reduced market access (13.5%), among others. The ANOVA and post hoc tests revealed that abandoned road construction projects significantly affect residents’ socioeconomic activities across the selected road locations in Awka South L.G.A. (p = .000). Impacts varied across locations, with Dan Mmaduka Avenue least affected and Onyenwochi most impacted. From the findings, it was recommended that active involvement of host communities in planning, land acquisition, and monitoring can reduce resistance and foster ownership. Continuous dialogue with stakeholders ensures smoother execution and reduces the risk of abandonment.