The effects of oil exploitation on residental rental housing- A case of Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis
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Date
NOVEMBER, 2016
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Abstract
The resource curse theory has gained prominence in oil resource economies with emphasis on the macroeconomic, environmental and livelihood implications. Studies on its applicability to local urban and spatial development have been minimal. The study sought to join the discussion on the applicability of the theory to resource endowed areas and the implication it has for spatial development by adopting the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis as a case study. Recognizing the important role rental housing plays in the mobility of labour as well as an affordable housing choice for low and middle income earners, the study assessed the effects of oil exploitation on this important aspect of residential housing in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis being the capital of the Western Region and the host city with the infrastructural and service capacity to support the oil exploitation.
The study adopted the mixed methods design to facilitate the collection and analysis of both quantitative and qualitative data. Multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 361 tenants for the study. Non-probability sampling was used to select relevant stakeholders including the Town and Country Planning Department. Pretested questionnaires and interview schedules were used to collect data while Statistical Product and Service Solution (SPSS) (Version 20.0) software was used to analyze the household data. Content analysis was used for the institutional data. The major findings of the study were that the effects of the oil exploitation had not been simultaneous across the Metropolis with Takoradi sub metro recording the highest effects. Rents increased sharply particularly in Takoradi and Effia-Kwesimintsim sub metros from 2011 which resulted in increased relocation of tenants to cheaper rent areas in the Sekondi and Essikado-Ketan sub metros. The relocation of tenants would lead to the extension of social infrastructure to these areas which is a long term indirect effect. Unfortunately, no measure has been put in place by government or quasi-government institutions to increase residential rental housing in the Metropolis making the private sector exploitative.
It is recommended that the Rent Control Department be resourced to function effectively and efficiently. The private formal sector should be encouraged through tax incentives to extend its services to all income groups. This can be achieved through collaboration with the Social Security and National Insurance Trust as a mode of rejuvenating its residential rental housing provision.
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Thesis Submitted to the Department of Planning, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the award of Master of Science in Development Planning and Management,