THE SPATIAL VARIATION IN URBAN HOUSING QUALITY IN SABON-GARI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA.

AKPU, B*, OGUIKE, W.E. and OSUMEJE, J.O.

Decent housing is one of the basic needs of every human. Good housing should satisfy the residents’ needs at a given time. Such needs include shelter, economic stability, family life and access to facilities. The housing quality varies over space. The aim of this paper therefore, is to analyze the spatial variation of housing quality in Sabon-gari LGA, Kaduna State, Nigeria. A questionnaire survey was used to elicit data on the housing condition in the study area. a total of 308 copies of questionnaire were administered to households who were systematically sampled in the area. Frequency tables and cross-tabulation were used to analyze the data. ANOVA was used tp determine whether there was significant difference in housing quality in the area. The results revealed that there were significant differences in housing quality in the area. Palladan and Hanwa had better housing conditions in relation to other areas. Only Palladan and Hanwa appeared to meet the standard occupancy ratio of 2.0 persons per room. The bulk of the houses in Palladan and Hanwa had water closet type of toilet facility while pit toilet was common in Samaru. It is recommended that house owners should imbibe sound maintenance culture and constant upgrading of their houses in order to enhance good housing quality and keep pace with the current housing standard.

Key words: Urbanization, Spatial variation, Tenement, Housing quality, Residential area.