Assessment of the Housing Situation in Al-Bayda City

Abstract

This study aims to assess the housing situation in Al-Bayda City, highlighting the housing problem within a scientific framework by applying evaluative housing criteria to the current housing reality. It also proposes some suggestions that may help alleviate the poor housing conditions in the city. To achieve this goal, the study relied on population and housing census data, as well as field research. A survey was conducted on 389 households in Al-Bayda City during the first quarter of 2012. The data analysis utilized quantitative analysis methods using the statistical software (SPSS). The study revealed several important findings, including a housing shortfall of 1511 housing units in Al-Bayda City. The city also suffers from overcrowding and residential congestion that exceeds planning standards. Moreover, there is a significant prevalence of informal housing and unplanned settlements, such as tin-sheet housing. For example, in the western district of Al-Bayda, the percentage of informal dwellings reaches 40% of the total housing in this residential area.