An Assessment of Residential Housing Quality in Uyo Urban Area

Abstract

The aim of this study is to assess the residential housing quality in Uyo urban area. To achieve this, 12807 residential houses were identified while 400 households were sampled for the study. These households are distributed in six zones and component roads and streets. Uyo, the administrative and political headquarters of AkwaIbom State, attracts a lot of population that exacts much pressure on the existing infrastructure. Most affected is the existing residential houses used by the inhabitants. The study revealed some fundamental challenges that relates to the housing quality; conditions; age of dwelling; variety and adequacy of facilities provided in the dwelling structure; recreational space and facilities; access to the road; adjoining structures; cleanliness of buildings/sites and types of people living in the neighborhoods. Most houses and neighborhood assessed were in serious deplorable condition as many buildings required either minor or major repairs. This is an indication that the study area needs urban renewal as a corrective measure. On the basis of these findings, it is recommended that government and private investors should form synergy and embark on aggressive provision of affordable houses, while sensitization and advocacy workshops for property investors on best physical planning method should be done on regular basis to educate investors in Uyo urban area.