Abstract:
This study was conducted in six condominium sites to assess the performace of
condominium housing program in Jimma town, Ethiopia. Adopting a formula from Bernard
(1995,) and Krejcie & Morgan (1970), out of 1029 households, 280 condominium residents
participate in the study, and among whom 280 questinnaires were accidentally distributed.
Besides, out of six selected sites, the researcher selected 2 site only for FGD because the size
of the respondents is comparatively greater to other site. Accordingly, two focus group
discussions with 11 participants from Kella and Bocho Bore condo sites, and an interview with
two officials from Jimma town Housing and Urban Development Agency were also conducted.
Moreover, field observation in the condo sites was held. The study reveals that condominium
housing is not affordable to the poor section of the town. Most of the houses are rented, and a
significant number of houses are transferred to third parties as well. Above all, most of the
houses are transferred to people who are not from Jimma town, to Jimma University and to
rich people of the town, not to the intended beneficeries of the program. Furthermore, residents
of the houses are suffering from problems related to infrastructure, and basic facilities such as
access to road, water provision, waste management system etc. Some residents fail to dispose
wastes properly, build fences, merge houses and grab extra spaces that affect the living
environment, and beauty of the houses. Thus, the housing agency of the town in coordination
with condominium committes, residents and other stakeholders shall take actions on those who
act against the goals of the housing program. Moreover, the government shall revise its policy
regarding the financial capabilities of urban poor to repay the housing loans; there should be
strict verification and coordination among cities and towns to avoid multiple registration for
condo housing. Above all, the demand for condo housing is higher than the supply. Thus, the
government should invest aggressively, and allow & encourage entrepreneurs to participate in
supplying (affordable) houses to the poor with best possible quality
