Analysis of Housing Condition and Neighbourhood Quality of Residential Core of Akure, Nigeria

Abstract

The hearts of many cities in Nigeria are like island of poverty in seas of relative affluence, which does not require any
professional skill in environmental studies to note the difference between residential environment and the overall physical structure of the
central parts of big cities and their suburbs. Well-designed and relatively well-maintained buildings in the suburbs and other parts of
these cities are inhabited by the affluent, the middle-class and the privileged. But the cores are where the majority of the urbanites live,
under sub-humane conditions in unkempt environments. However, the examination of some of the variables that determine urban
housing and neighbourhood quality as it relates to the city of Akure is the major thrust of this paper. The study sampled five
neighborhoods in the core of the city in order to examine the problems using questionnaire administration, housing demographic and
facility survey as well as physical observation as instruments for data collection. The results were analyzed with the aid of multiple linear
regression models. It is observed from the research findings that poor housing system, lack of neighborhood facilities and insufficient
household services contribute 52.3% significant impacts to the poor quality of the environment in the city´s center. It is however
suggested that extensive urban renewal programm in the form of provision of basic services be carried out in the area, which should be
supported with improved sanitation strategies for sustainable management of the area.