Title:
Cracking in Newly Constructed Houses in Mmopane, Botswana: An Exploratory Study

Authors:
Gaebolae Motshabi, Shodolapo Oluyemi Franklin, Botswana

Abstract:

The present study summarizes the results of an inquiry into the major causes of cracks in newly constructed buildings in the village of Mmopane, Botswana. Due to difficulties encountered in obtaining permission to conduct a detailed inspection of the infrastructures in question, the authors resorted to the use of questionnaires. Relevant information was gathered through a collection comprising home owners, builders/contractors, tradesmen of various designations, engineers and estate agents. All the foregoing categories of people were very largely resident in Mmopane, and their responses were subsequently subjected to statistical analysis, given that the population of Mmopane as a whole is geographically dispersed. From the research survey, it was concluded that most of the cracking occurred due to human faults and the utilization of inferior materials procured from mushrooming brick moulding manufacturers. Therefore, a continuous inspection protocol is recommended during building project construction to ensure the supply of quality building materials. Additionally, the allocation of adequate finance for such projects cannot be overstated.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.51505/ijaemr.2026.1104