Abstract

This research examines housing conditions in Tiko municipality. It also seeks to know how houses have evolved over time and the changes this has on the individual, on their economic, social, status. Both primary and secondary data were collected, information is also gotten from sources like the internet, newspapers, talks and from the council.

All this information is used to search for the causes of housing and the possible solutions or recommendation. There are two main types of building materials used which are substandard and second hand (examples include zinc, blocks), just a few individuals use standard materials.

The research states clearly the problems the environs are faced with, which includes; bad roads, insecurity, shortage of light and high bills, poor latrine, waste disposal. The government should build public houses and give them out for rent at cheaper prices, these houses should have the basic facilities, provision of taps at each quarter, improve on the condition of the road and also help to reduce thieves by employing peacekeeping force men.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Introduction 

A house is a building for human habitation, especially one that consists of a ground floor and one or more upper stores. Is also a building in which people meet for a particular activity, which includes religious, legislative, or deliberate assembly, firm, institution, that provides shelter or accommodation and space (Bhan G,. 2009). House is a home that functions and harbours all humans and creatures. It begins from a simple dwelling to as skyscrapers (Bertaud, A. 2007).

Housing is a major element of people’s material living standard, it is essential to meet basic needs, such as shelter, from weather conditions and to offer a sense of personal security, privacy and personal space.

Good housing conditions are also essential for people’s health and affect childhood development, furthermore, housing costs make up a large share of the household budget and constitute the main component of the household wealth, housing cost is a major concern for households finances, and income in an essentials driver of housing conditions (Annez et al., 2010). Houses in Tiko are constructed according to individual financial capacity. This is the reason for the different physical structures of houses in Tiko.

Poor housing quality for example lack of access to basic sanitation and functional utilities, overcrowding, is also a major driver of health status with effects on both physical and mental health. It can lead to domestic violence and to children slow school performance. The capacity to engage in basic social activities, such as inviting people at home, may also be threatened by poor housing conditions, (Berry M. 2006).

Most housing quality in Tiko has social facilities like; street lights, good and affordable drinking water and public toilets especially in the camps. These public toilets sometimes affect the health of individuals especially women through diseases like “sugar sugar”.

Living in satisfactory housing conditions is one of the most important aspects of people lives. Housing is essential to meet basic needs such as shelter but is not just a question of four walls and roofs. Housing should offer a place to sleep and rest where people feel safe and have privacy and personals space; somewhere they can raise a family. All of these elements help make a house a home (Bertaud, 2007).

Tiko, originally called Keka by the Bakweri, is a town and also an important part of the South West region of Cameron. The settlement grew as a market and Bokova. The core quarters in Tiko includes street 1 to 7, Motombolombo, down the beach, a new quarter, P and T quarters New layout, Longstreet, Likomab, Gulf club, Mutengene. As of 2010, the town is estimated to have a population of 55,914.

The town is also an industrial area that is mostly copied by the C.D.C (Cameroon development Co-operation), which produces rubber, banana and palm oil. Tiko also hosts the special forces which explain the peace and security enjoyed by the inhabitants.

The physical urban environment in Tiko makes it possible for the social, economic and agricultural activities that are carried out in Tiko. It has a flat topography and good drainage. As such different houses are built on any area due to the presence of the nature of slope, climatic conditions. Houses found in Tiko include block houses, wooden houses and storey buildings.

1.2 Problem Statement

It is observed that the urban environment has depleting effects on housing conditions in the Tiko municipality. These are seen in the various problem statements explained below.

Inferiors Building Materials

The materials used in constructing houses in Tiko are of low quality. This is because most of the inhabitance are still predominantly agriculturally base, and as such do not have enough money to buy quality building materials, as compared to the few affluence in Tiko, like the Divisional Officer, the Mayor, Directors, just to name a few. Due to this low-quality materials use in building, there is the problems of insecurity. The nature of the house gives easy access to thieves to penetrate both during the night and day, thereby causing pain and misery to the victims.

But on like the houses constructed with good quality materials, is not always easy for thieves. This means that the thieves need to be well-armed. In addition, since the materials used are of low standard, the houses are liable to fire accidents. This is common in areas like Tiko town and Down the beach, this is so because they use but wood in constructing houses.

In addition, unemployment is another contributing factor, since most of the population in Tiko is in the informal sector of the economics and as such money gotten from this informal sector can not build a house that is up to standard.

Housing Congestion

Since Tiko has plantations like rubber, palms, banana and a rubber factory. Due to the presence of this plantation, there has been a rapid increase in the population of Tiko. This is due to the fact that the plantation employs more than ten thousand workers, and as such, most of these workers who live in the camp have experience congestion of housing because some gets married, put to birth and live with relatives thereby increasing the number of persons living in a room.

Pollution

The presence of the Tiko rubber factory is a source of pollution to the environment of Tiko. This is because the factory releases a nasty smells which is unpleasant to both the physical environment and the inhabitants. This may in future affect their respiratory system especially those involve and the people living around the factory.

Dirtiness

Houses built on areas like swampy areas and besides streams are liable to experience flood during the rainy season and stagnation of water during the dry season (streams turns to dry up the dry season). Deposition of waste from houses, farms, enhances the accommodation of mosquitoes which causes a deadly disease called malaria which is detrimental to human health.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

1. To investigate the role of government in housing development
2. To find out the factors which influence people to construct their houses
3. To examine the factors favouring housing condition
4. To investigates the problems created by the physical environment
5. To appraise the relationship between housing condition and the environment
6. To sort for possible solutions

1.4 Hypothesis

Ha: There exists a correlation between housing conditions and the way people live in Tiko

Ho: There exists no correlation between housing conditions and the way people live in Tiko