Housing and Street Crime Challenges in Oil and Gas Cities: Exploring City Regeneration Options in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Abstract

This paper documents and further strengthens the debate that shortage in quality housing supply results in poor quality neighbourhoods and slum-type developments, whichin turn foster street crime and similar vices. It also shows that a holistic approach to dealing with street crime will depend largely on urban/city regeneration. A qualitative research design was used which enabled the authors employ mixed methods in data collection, analysis and interpretation of findings. The underpinning philosophy and theoretical framework was rooted in pragmatist ideas of 'truth and sense-making'. Following a preliminary literature review, primary data was obtained via theoretical sampling and the use of satellite imagery. This was analysed using analytical tools applicable in photographic imagery research methods which included map evaluation and analysis.The findings from the observed trends in housing density,reveals that the intense housing pressure is triggered and sustained by inmigration into the City of Port Harcourt, as a result of oil and gas as well as other economic activities. This has resulted in uncontrolled housing expansion into the suburbs and poor quality housing neighbourhoods, which nowfoster street crime.  It recognizes that there is a 'chicken and egg' relationship between the two phenomena and some obvious confusion as to which one precedes the other. The practical implications of this study is that a holistic approach is required to deal with street crime which should have planning and city regeneration at its core. It calls for concerted effort and corporate synergy towards the production of a long-term Statutory Housing Strategy Policy document at both State and Local Government levels, to drive this process.