Informal Transformation in Public Housing: A Case Study of Abesan Low Income Housing Estate Lagos, Nigeria (Published)
Dwellers in public housing have been engaged in alteration and extension activities aimed at adapting their dwellings to better suit their needs. Hence, owners-occupiers, through their own initiatives and efforts alter or extend these houses so as to improve their housing conditions and at the same time to meet the developing needs of the households. In such cases, it becomes pertinent to examine the modalities and motives behind what happens within dwelling units in public housing estates. This research aims to identify explanations for the phenomenon of owner-initiated transformation of public housing particularly in low income housing estates. Indications are that housing transformations in public housing is inevitable and carried out irrespective of the socio-economic status and lifestyles of residents. The study employed a case – study research method and Abesan low-income housing estate, Ipaja in Lagos State was purposively selected for the study. The implication of this study to sustainable housing development is premised on the fact that people engaged in housing modification on a number of levels, in order to make a home more aesthetically pleasing or more suitable for their needs and also for qualitative improvement of the existing housing stock. The study concluded by suggesting a number of recommendations to assist policy makers in effective public housing delivery.
Keywords: Dwellers, Owner Occupiers, Transformation, public housing