Challenges and Prospect of Slum Development Areas in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Abstract

The study evaluates the challenges and prospects of the slum development area in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. A survey research design was used for this study. The data was through surveys, observations, interviews, and questionnaires. The study found that the majority of structures in the study region are tenement buildings (45.46%), the occupancy ratio is larger than 4. (60.72). Windows and doors are made of wood (51.25%), metal sheet roofing dominates slum construction (54.15), and concrete and cement make up most flooring (71.48). The study also found that most slum people use Bush/anywhere (41.34) as a toilet due to a lack of infrastructure. Restrooms and bathrooms are built outside (42.56% and 45.75%), even with sticks and cloths, 42.56% of cooking is done in the room. Environmental degradation was strongly correlated with slum dwellings (p=1.1346, 1.86). The study found that slum dwellers face many obstacles, including inferior housing and poor environmental and structural conditions. Government needs to invest in affordable housing, adopt zoning and land use restrictions, and more to solve such issues.