Assessment of Housing Quality and Overcrowding in Port Harcourt Urban Slums

Urban slum conditions in Port Harcourt represent one of the most acute housing and public health challenges in South South Nigeria, and systematic assessment of housing quality and overcrowding provides evidence for urgent policy intervention. This study assessed housing quality conditions and overcrowding levels in Diobu, Mile 3, Rumuola, and Creek Road slum communities in Port Harcourt City and Obio-Akpor Local Government Areas, Rivers State. A cross-sectional survey of 320 households collected data on room-to-person ratios, construction materials, sanitation type, water access, flooding frequency, and health outcomes. Overcrowding (more than two persons per sleeping room) was found in 73.1 percent of households. Only 28.4 percent had piped water access. Open defecation or shared pit latrines were used in 77.2 percent of households. Flooding affected 82.5 percent of households at least twice annually. The mean Housing Quality Index was 42.3 out of 100, classified as very poor. Recommendations include a Rivers State slum upgrading programme, formal tenure security, flood control investment, provision of communal WASH facilities, and community land use planning in Port Harcourt's informal settlements.

Keywords: housing quality, overcrowding, urban slums, Port Harcourt, Rivers State These findings highlight the critical need for slum upgrading, secure tenure, and flood infrastructure investment in Port Harcourt's informal settlements.