Assessing the quality of housing in emerging Auchi Urban Region, Edo State

Abstract

The quality of urban settlements depends on the proportion and intensity of residential use in relation to other land uses. The quality of housing is often gauged through some indicators. The study considers the quality of housing in an emerging urban region of Auchi. The study is based on field survey of 886 sampled respondents of Auchi Region using the questionnaire instrument. The Region was divided into three zones that were further subdivided into 24 sampling units. The indicators of occupancy, building materials, age, and basic facilities were analysed descriptively; attributes of housing such as age, wall material, condition of dwelling units, general condition of housing were inferentially analysed in terms of spatial variability. Apart from quality of construction materials, other indicators of housing quality performed low (the indicators of age, facilities, and general condition of housing are significant, but with generally low Eta values). Landlords are urged to carry out a routine maintenance of their houses to prevent deterioration. Town Planning Authorities are also to monitor building developments to prevent space not being crammed up by illegal structures.

Keywords: Accessibility, Auchi, indicator, occupancy, quality of housing, variability.