Rethinking Bricks as a Means of Improving Social Housing Delivery in Nigeria

Abstract

This research appraises the possibility of using bricks as an alternative to sandcrete block towards solving the housing problem of the lower income group in Nigeria. The study adopted the survey method through interview and questionnaires. The simple random sampling approach was used and the sample size of the study was purposively put at 200. A total of 182 were returned and used for analysis. This represents 91% response rate which is very good for this kind of research. The identified perception of how respondents place value on properties and the advantages of bricks were ranked using relative importance index. The study found out that majority of the people in the study area is in the low income group and has never stayed in houses made of bricks. Although the rating of bricks construction was very high, the study found out that its usage in their locality was very poor. It was further revealed that security and condition of the area (0.913), architectural design (0.907) and quality of finishing (0.874) ranked high on the factors that affects the value they placed on property. The study also revealed that durability (0.892), natural material (0.873), promotion of local material (0.869) cost advantage (0.780), easy to recycle (0.766), health benefits (0.770) and others are among the numerous benefits offered by compressed clay bricks. The study concluded that the housing deficit problems in the country could be reduced by encouraging the use of compressed clay bricks for massive production of social housing for the lower Income groups. The study recommends that demonstration project that will infuse confidence among the people for using the bricks construction technology for buildings should be encouraged. This will help to improve the acceptability of the material and as well eliminate the bias mindedness and stigma attached to the material.