The Determinants of the Rate of Housing Deterioration in High Density and Slum Areas of Nigerian Cities with Particular Reference to Enugu City

Abstract

The aim of the study is to identify causal factors which determine the rate of housing deterioration particularly in high density and slum areas of Nigerian cities. Two high density areas, namely, Asata and Ogui New Layout and one slum area, Obiagu, all in Enugu City were used for the study. 257 landlords randomly selected from these areas participated in this study by serving as respondents. Structured questionnaire was the major instrument for data collection. Multiple Linear, Regression Analysis (MRA) was used in data analysis. Findings indicate that out of the 7 suspected factors, 5 of them, namely, high occupancy ratio (0.968), number of non-residential rooms (0.875), Landlord’s level of education (0.675), Landlord’s household size (0.593) and number of tenants (0.406) correlate significantly with housing deterioration. Therefore, the more these identified factors are combined in a dwelling unit, the faster the rate of deterioration of that dwelling. It is then recommended that governments at all levels should give adequate enabling environment to municipal councils through Town Planning Authorities to enforce acceptable occupancy ratios and codes. Similarly, the issue of family planning should be pursued with more vigor and determination to the extent that offenders could be sanctioned and prosecuted. Further more, landlords’ education should be made mandatory and to be extended to include information communication technology (ICT) to enable them link up with the outside world for greater awareness and networking. The study then concluded that though the study was based in Enugu city but the findings are germane to other Nigerian as well as third world cities.