The Performance of Condominium Housing Program in Jimma Town, Ethiopia: A Case Study

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