Tenth International Conference on The Constructed Environment

Abstract

Inadequate planning for the dead appear common in developing countries including Nigeria. Many dead are buried in house frontages, within compounds and later exhumed despite availability of cemeteries. This research focuses on planning for the dead and re-orientating citizens from this traditional idea which appears conflicting. The study explored a general overview of location of burial grounds for the dead in Epe and Ikorodu area of Lagos state. Death rates in the study area was collected in Epe Local Government Area. Primary data was also collected through the use of structured questionnaire. A total of one hundred and seven (107) questionnaires were administered. Simple random sampling technique was adopted. Data collected were analyzed through the use of descriptive statistical analysis. Result reveals that 48% of streets in the study area has dead buried within the residential buildings and 37.4% of residential buildings in the study area had the dead buried in the residential compound within neighborhoods, a preference to cemetery. The research advocates for a better orientation of citizens as regards burying the dead within residential compounds and adequate planning for the dead through diverse means including ground burial in cemeteries, cremation etc. and proposed a model cemeteries for use in different parts of the country.