Examination Of Conditions Of Neighbourhood Infrastructure In Prefab Estate, Owerri Capital Territory, Nigeria

Abstract

Interest in housing studies has grown over the years, particularly with increased consumer protection awareness. Thus, interest in housing shifted from production to marketing, then to adaptation of housing output to the desires of the residents.  This paper examines neighbourhood infrastructure in Prefab estate, Owerri Imo State Nigeria. The estate was built by the state government. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect the conditions of neighbourhood infrastructure had on housing quality in the estate to provide appropriate feedback criteria meant for improving the housing quality of public housing estates. The methodology adopted for this research was survey design. The following were the findings: in availability and performance, the public infrastructure provided in the estates was found to be deficient. The material characteristics of the neighbourhood infrastructures (roads, walkways, pipe-borne water) and the physical environment in which they are situated were also examined. Some of the buildings are sound and do not require immediate repairs. A few of the buildings are either dilapidated or require major repairs and are thus unfit for safe habitation. The paper recommends continuous public enlightenment among the residents on the need to carry out regular maintenance of neighbourhood infrastructure for the improvement of the quality of the neighbourhoods.