Relationship between Housing Management and Housing Conditions in Imo State Housing Corporation Estates in Owerri, Nigeria

Abstract

Housing conditions are acknowledged as important factors that determine the habitability of buildings. This was why this study investigated the relationship between housing management and housing conditions in Imo State Housing Corporation (IMSHC) estates in Owerri Capital Territory, Imo State, Nigeria, with a view to obtaining vital feedback which can be used for gauging and improving housing conditions in the study area. A survey design method was applied with a focus on five IMSHC estates randomly selected from the research population following a stratification based on housing type. Three hundred and five occupied housing units were randomly sampled from the selected estates. Data were collected from these using questionnaires. The variables, ‘Flaking/Peeling wall finish’ and ‘Availability of procedures for maintenance operations’, representing housing condition and housing management system respectively, were selected for this analysis. The two variables are of nominal variable category; therefore, the Chi-square test of independence analysis tool was applied towards examining the significance of the relationship. It was established that there is a significant relationship between Flaking/Peeling wall finish’ and ‘Availability of procedures for maintenance operations’ in the study area. It is recommended that for prompt maintenance of facilities in buildings, the residents should undertake it. For maintenance of facilities in the neighbourhood, IMSHC should undertake that. Moreover, there should be a legal provision to enable residents of IMSHC estates to enforce maintenance activities in the environment. The time taken to respond to residents’ complaints should be improved upon by ensuring prompt response to grievances.