Perceptions of Housing Quality and Neighbourhood Satisfaction in Select Localities in the Obio/Akpor Region of Rivers State

Abstract

In recent times, the perceptions residents regarding their houses and neighbourhoods have been critical to their quality of life. This study assessed the impact of housing on neighbourhood quality in the Obio/Akpor region of Rivers State. The study objectives were to determine the effects of housing on neighbourhood quality in the study area, ascertain residents' perceptions of housing and neighbourhood quality, and prescribe planning measures to improve the housing and neighbourhood quality of the study area. The study adopted a quantitative research approach and descriptive research design. The study employed a simple random technique to select neighbourhoods and respondents for the study. A total of 395 respondents were sampled, which was achieved by employing the Taro Yamane formula at a 5% precision level. Open-ended and closed-ended questionnaires were used for the field survey, including personal observation. The study found that the building's water supply sources mainly were from public mains and private boreholes, while the electricity came from the public power supply (PHED) and private generators. The buildings feature a kitchen, toilet, and bathroom, as well as parking spaces. The study found that several essential neighbourhood facilities and services are available, including access roads with drainage, health centres, clinics, hospitals, crèches, nurseries, primary schools, secondary schools, grocery stores, local markets, places of worship, open spaces, and police stations, mostly in good condition. However, the neighbourhoods lacked recreational facilities, waste collection facilities, and fire stations. These conditions led residents to rate the housing value and neighbourhood quality as either very satisfied or unsatisfied, reflecting their feelings. The residents suggested building rehabilitation, improving the electricity supply, providing adequate security, enhancing accessibility, and improving drainage, recreational spaces, and potable water supply to enhance the quality of housing and the neighbourhood in the studied areas. The study recommends that housing providers should build houses that have all essential facilities within the buildings; residential building designs should take cognisance of building facilities; planning agencies should appraise and replan the neighbourhoods to provide lacking neighbourhood facilities and services; and development permits should not be issued to developers from unplanned neighbourhoods.