Study on Operational Performance of Low-Cost Housing in Ethiopia: The Case of Bishoftu City

Abstract

The operational performance of low-cost housing refers to the overall effectiveness, efficiency,and quality of housing services and infrastructure in particular area of the housing industry.Operational performance includes a variety of variables that collectively contribute to thefunctionality and impact of low-cost housing programs within the urban setting. This study aims toanalyze and assess the operational performance of low-cost housing in Bishoftu City. The specificobjectives includes to evaluate the current operational performance factors, to identify the keybarriers that affecting, to assess the impact of barriers and to develop strategies for improving theoperational performance of low-cost housing in Bishoftu city. To attain these goals, the study useda mixed-approaches research design that combined quantitative and qualitative research methods.Data are collected using a questionnaire, interviews, and site visits. The research design was ablend of descriptive and exploratory research, with basic simple random sampling and purposivesample being used. The data analysis approaches would include descriptive and exploratoryanalysis techniques based on mean scores and the relative important index method. The resultsshow that poor aesthetic design (RII value: 0.797) and inadequate room sizes in building design(RII value: 0.789) are the main design barriers that affect low-cost housing's operationalperformance. Construction-related barriers include mold and moisture (RII value: 0.786) and thequality of construction workmanship (RII value: 0.761). Maintenance-related barriers includeadequate sanitary system maintenance (RII value: 0.773) and adequate electrical systemmaintenance (RII value: 0.772). Addressing these barriers is critical for improving the operationalperformance of low-cost housing in Bishoftu City. To implement solutions that improve the quality,safety, and livability of the city's low-cost housing developments, stakeholders such as governmentauthorities, developers, designers, and residents must work together. The major impacts ofbarriers in operational performance of low-cost housing in Bishoftu City include increasedmaintenance costs (MV: 3.90); reduced thermal comfort (MV: 3.76), poor indoor air quality(MV: 3.69), reduced sustainability (MV: 3.67), and uncomfortable living conditions (MV: 3.63).Addressing these impacts includes increased maintenance costs due to poor construction andinadequate upkeep; decreased thermal comfort, which causes health problems and discomfort;poor indoor air quality, which affects respiratory health and overall well-being; reducedsustainability, which jeopardizes environmental impact and energy efficiency; and uncomfortableliving conditions, which have a negative impact on mood, productivity, and quality of life.