Assessing the effectiveness and maintenance of houses in Bunambutye Resettlement Camp, Eastern Uganda
Abstract
Housing plays a crucial role in the lives of individuals and families, providing a sense of security, privacy, and belonging. This study investigates the state of housing infrastructure in Bunambutye resettlement camp, Eastern Uganda. Through a mixed methods approach, including surveys, interviews, observations, and focus group discussions, the research assesses the effectiveness of existing housing units, identifies associated risks, and explores challenges and opportunities for improvement. The survey reveals that the analysis of house conditions reveals that windows, vents, and openings are in the best condition, with an average score of 4.00, indicating that most households maintain these features well. Security measures follow closely with an average of 3.77, showing a strong emphasis on home security; Risks based on the study findings reveal that the majority of the respondents that constitute to about 77% expressed a feeling of safety and more security in their current compared to their previous living conditions, underlying vulnerabilities remain; The primary challenge faced by household financial constraints reported 87% indicating a widespread difficulty in affording maintenance. The key opportunity identified by the households is enhanced maintenance support with 67% seeing this as essential for improving their living conditions. Key findings reveal a significant deterioration of housing structures, characterized by cracks, leaking roofs, and poor ventilation. These issues pose risks to residents’ health and safety. Additionally, the study highlights challenges related to maintenance, including limited resources, lack of skills and dependence on external support. The research emphasizes the need for community-led initiatives to address these challenges. By empowering residents with training and tools, the study suggests that communities can play a more active role in maintaining their homes and improving overall living conditions. Furthermore, the study underscores the importance of addressing environmental factors, such as climate-related impacts, to mitigate future damage to housing infrastructure.