HOUSING CONDITIONS IN A SLUM AREA OF AJEROMI OKE-OJA, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Housing is an inevitable aspect of human life in any society. Consequently, its condition has resultant effect on the general wellbeing of individuals. This study examined the housing conditions in Ajeromi Oke-Oja in Ogun State, Nigeria with the view of identifying and assessing existing housing facilities and building construction materials; methods of acquisition and maintenances as well as examining inhabitants’ socio-economic status on housing conditions. Data collection methods used were questionnaire, personal observations and informal interview. Multi-stage sampling technique was adopted to administer 200 questionnaires among household representatives. Results were presented using both descriptive and Chi-Square statistical methods. The findings revealed that majority (about 70%) of the residents are low income earners with low financial capability to access desirable houses. Findings on housing facilities indicated that 54% of toilets were pit system and 80% of the bathrooms were traditional open roofed and enclosed systems. For the construction materials, houses were built using mud (57%) as wall materials and corrugated iron sheet (66%) as roof. Interestingly, about 50% houses were aged (61-99 years) and are mostly (47%) inherited structures that were poorly maintained (70%). Chi-Square results on statistical impact of inhabitants’ socio-economic variables on housing conditions were significantly observed. However, only income level proved a key factor that influenced housing conditions (χ2= 20.28, P<0.00). The study recommended that immediate actions should be taken to avert hazards as a result of the extant housing conditions.

 

Key Words: Building Materials, Conditions, Facilities, Housing, Inhabitants

DOI: https://ejesm.org/doi/v11i1.3

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