Evaluating public housing quality in Ogun State, Nigeria

The paper evaluates public housing quality in an urban area of Ogun State, Nigeria. This was accomplished by examining the socio-economic characteristics of the residents and non-residents; by assessing the housing typology; by assessing the quality of housing; and by analysing the physical environment in the study area with the aim of providing information to assist the improving of the quality of housing. Data for the study were obtained from both primary and secondary sources. The questionnaire administered targeted the residents and non-residents. The study used systematic sampling method on household heads living in one out of every fifth (5th) house located in the identified three (3) zones, which comprised the staff quarters, corporation quarters and site and services zone. A total of 85 resident household heads were selected. Likewise 85 non-residents (relatives and friends of the residents) were selected. Both descriptive and inferential techniques of data analysis were employed. The study used a Likert scale of 1-5. The study shows that the condition of the building elements was perceived by the residents to be of good condition (4.21), while the non-residents perceived it to be fair in condition (3.25). Also, residents and non-residents perceived the facilities and services in the estate fairly (3.56 and 3.31, respectively), and the dwellers and non-dwellers were contented with their dwellings and its environment (3.78 and 3.18, respectively). The Chi-square result on non-residents' period of staying in the estate vicinity and the perception of quality of overall housing/estate environment reveals that there is no significant relationship between period of staying in the estate vicinity and the level of adequacy of overall housing/estate environment (chi(2) = 32.469, P >= 0.05). The study conclude that since there is deterioration in the quality of housing and facilities, residents' and non-residents' perception and contentment could be improved by the upgrade of existing housing facilities in the estate by the government.