Analysis of Housing Deficit in Urban Cities: A Case Study of Port Harcourt

Abstract

Housing plays a very significant role in a person’s standard of living and place in the society as its impact is profound in the health, welfare and output of man. The aim of this study was to assess the housing deficit in urban cities, focusing specifically on Port Harcourt. The study utilized structured questionnaire to gather data from 368 respondents, representing 92% of the sample size. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequency tables and chart. This study highlights the significant housing deficit in Port Harcourt, underscoring its critical impact on the city's population and socio-economic stability. The results confirm that the housing shortage, driven by factors such as rapid urbanization, economic constraints, high land prices, and poor urban planning, has led to overcrowding, rising housing costs, and deteriorating quality of life. The study recommends that government initiates a comprehensive policy reform focusing on improving housing affordability, regulating land prices, and incentivizing private sector involvement. The study also recommends public-private partnerships (PPPs) in improving housing availability, emphasizing that government should seek to foster stronger collaborations with private developers to address the housing crisis.