Public Infrastructure and Sustainable Urban Mass Housing in Nigeria

Abstract

This study discusses public infrastructure in urban mass housing in Nigeria, and how it can impact 
Sustainable Development. The study was conducted in Owerri, Imo State, Southeast Nigeria. Four 
purposively selected mass housing neighbourhoods for middle income residents within Owerri metropolis 
were appraised for neighbourhood infrastructure namely; network and quality of access roads and 
drainages, availability of public services, availability of communal activity areas, and safety and security 
measures in place in the neighbourhoods. Case study method was used for the study. Data collection was 
through pictorial documentation and on-site physical appraisal. The findings of the study show that estate 
infrastructure where available, were inadequate, thereby detracting from the achievement of 
environmentally and socially sustainable neighbourhoods for the residents. The study further revealed a 
clear absence of an integrated housing infrastructure policy which addresses quality of housing 
infrastructure and its implications for social sustainability. It is therefore recommended that housing estate 
development in Nigeria must integrate from the beginning, basic facilities and services that will 
complement the individual housing units, create a sense of community, and ensure proper management 
and maintenance of the estates. These are considered critical to the attainment of Sustainable Cities and 
Communities (SDG goal 11).