Nigeria and Malaysia: A Brief Study on Survey of Housing Policies
Introduction
The issue of housing affordability is a pressing concern in many countries, particularly in developing nations like Malaysia and Nigeria. This study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the affordability elements in the current low-cost housing policies of these two countries. By comparing the affordability elements in Malaysia and Nigeria, this study seeks to identify the relationship between the low-cost housing affordability elements in both countries and propose a sustainable low-cost housing affordability policy. The findings reveal significant gaps in the existing policies, particularly in the areas of regulation, user needs, and public participation.
Current Housing Policies in Malaysia
Malaysia has implemented several housing policies to address the issue of housing affordability. The National Housing Policy (2018-2025) focuses on improving affordable housing provision based on locality and needs, ensuring good quality housing for all, and improving housing and transportation coordination for better quality of life. The policy includes strategies such as increasing the supply of affordable housing, developing localized housing affordability thresholds, and reviewing housing component costs. However, despite these efforts, there are still challenges in ensuring that the housing design reflects user needs and conforms to cultural, family background, and size considerations.
Current Housing Policies in Nigeria
Nigeria faces unique challenges in its housing policies. The current policies lack comprehensive regulations and guidelines for low-cost housing. The Land Use Act needs modernization to simplify land acquisition and introduce land banks for affordable housing. Additionally, there is a need to promote local production of construction materials to reduce costs and dependency on imports. Financial institutions must also create innovative products tailored for low-income earners, and public-private partnerships (PPPs) can play a crucial role in initiating affordable housing projects. However, the enforcement of housing regulations and standards is weak, leading to the proliferation of informal settlements.
Comparison of Housing Affordability Elements
A comparison of the affordability elements in Malaysia and Nigeria reveals several similarities and differences. Both countries face challenges in ensuring that housing policies reflect user needs and cultural considerations. In Malaysia, the housing design does not always conform to the culture, family background, and size of the users. Similarly, in Nigeria, the lack of enforcement of housing regulations and standards results in housing designs that do not meet the needs of the residents. However, Malaysia has made more progress in developing comprehensive housing policies and implementing strategies to improve affordability. Nigeria, on the other hand, needs to revamp its Land Use Act and promote local production of construction materials to reduce costs.
Sustainable Low-Cost Housing Affordability Policy
To address the challenges identified in the current housing policies of Malaysia and Nigeria, a sustainable low-cost housing affordability policy is proposed. This policy should include the following elements:
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Regulation and Guidelines: Establish clear laws, rules, and guidelines to regulate the affairs of low-cost housing. This will ensure that housing projects meet minimum standards and address the needs of the users.
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User-Centered Design: The housing design should reflect user needs, conform to cultural, family background, and size considerations. This can be achieved through community engagement and participation in the planning process.
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Public Participation: Provide provisions for public participation in the policy documents. This will ensure that the voices of the users are heard and their needs are addressed in the housing policies.
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Innovative Financing: Create innovative financing options for low-income earners. This can include government-backed incentives such as subsidies, tax breaks, or low-interest housing bonds.
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Local Production of Materials: Promote local production of construction materials to reduce costs and dependency on imports. This will also create employment opportunities and stimulate economic growth.
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Enforcement of Regulations: Strengthen the enforcement of housing regulations and standards to prevent the proliferation of informal settlements and ensure that housing projects meet minimum standards.
Conclusion
The study highlights the need for a sustainable low-cost housing affordability policy that addresses the gaps in the current housing policies of Malaysia and Nigeria. By establishing clear regulations, promoting user-centred design, encouraging public participation, creating innovative financing options, promoting local production of materials, and strengthening the enforcement of regulations, both countries can improve the affordability and quality of low-cost housing. This will not only address the housing needs of the population but also contribute to economic growth and social stability.