ASSESSMENT OF THE PROBLEMS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF URBAN HOUSING (A CASE STUDY OF OWERRI MUNICIPALITY, IMO STATE)

Abstract

The high rate of migration, coupled with population increase triggered rapid urbanization. However, a great proportion of the population still lives in substandard and low quality houses in a deplorable unsanitary residential environment particularly in developing countries. Urban and Economic growth have brought about all typical problems associated with rapid urban development resulting in housing shortage both quantitative and qualitative, slums, illegal settlement and squatting as experienced in owerri municipality. These have resulted into many urban and housing problems within the state capital owerri. This study examined the nature of urban growth and housing problems in owerri municipality. Also it tries to examine residential housing stock, identity the nature of housing problems, government policies and programmes in other to address the problems. The pattern of growth was determined using spatial analysis, and the housing problems were identified through questionnaire and field surveys. Findings revealed that the growth of urban housing in owerri municipality increases by 1034.0 hectare which is equivalent to 38.5% which is in line with Maurice (2004). It was also discovered that over a period of time, new settlements have evolved. Also, the construction and expansion of road networks are evidences of urban growth in owerri municipality. KEYWORDS: Development, Urban growth, Housing problems, population, owerri municipality.