HOUSING PROBLEMS OF LOW INCOME GROUP IN WARRI METROPOLIS, NIGERIA

1Clarke, T. and 2Digha, O.N.
Department of Geography
1&2Isaac Jasper Boro College of Education, Sagbama, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria.
E-mail: digbaopaminola@yahoo.com

Abstract:

This study examined housing problems of low income group in Warri metropolis, Nigeria. To achieve this study, the study generated data from field survey using questionnaires was adopted. The data generated were analysed using bivariate
correlation analysis. From the study, it was observed that the low income earners in the metropolis are spread across areas of Okumagba Layout, Lower Eredjuwa, Enerhen road,
Delta Steel town, Enerhen village, and Orhowhorun. Housing demand is high as a result of the increasing population and most of the occupants spend about 35-45% of their
monthly income on accommodation in contrast to the 20% monthly income recommended by the United Nation. However, the quality of houses for low income
group in Warri metropolis is poor and below standard. Slums are found in the high density (Jakpa road, Okumagba layout, Airport Road, Upper/Lower Erejuwa, Enerhen/Udu Road) areas of Warri metropolis. The standard dwelling units correlated
significantly with household income at R = 0.913. It is anticipated that as the size of household income increases, the access standard dwelling units also increases. Therefore, the cost of houses should be reduced through the provision of low cost housing near
public transport routes, infrastructure and community facilities. The need to improve the housing delivery mechanism via policy measures geared towards encouraging low income
group should be strongly advocated by the National Housing Federation.