Users’ Involvement in Housing Solution for Public Servants in Tanzania A Case of Watumishi Housing Company (Whc)

Abstract

Housing settlement for public servants has been challenging to many developing countries. In Tanzania, the government has undertaken various measures to improve the standard of living for its employees which include providing affordable houses. Despite the initiatives undertaken by the government and its agencies in Tanzania, the demand for housing is consistently increasing and the competition in the real estate market provides houses with unaffordable prices. These challenges imply that the housing projects initiated by the government and its agencies for the public servants do not address the requirements and needs of users (buyers and tenants). Therefore, this study aimed at investigating the user involvement in housing solutions for public servants. The housing projects owned by the Watumishi Housing Company (WHC) were used as a case study. Both primary and secondary data were collected and analysed. The primary data were collected through questionnaire and interview, while various documents were reviewed for secondary data collection. The study sample was determined using both purposive sampling and simple random sampling methods. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected and analysed by using content analysis and descriptive statistical methods respectively. The study employed the Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Theory. According to the theory, the basic needs for human survival (physiological needs) which include shelters are the most important needs while all other needs become secondary until the primary needs are met. The Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Theory was used in the study to assess whether the user involvement has any motivation impact to the acceptability of the housing units to the public servants. The findings of the study reveal the lack of awareness to many employees on the available housing purchase alternatives, the pricing formula for housing units, and the location of housing projects. Also, the study reveal that high percentages of the beneficiaries were not involved in many decisions before buying or renting the housing units. On the basis of the findings, it is recommended that the WHC and other government agencies undertaking housing construction for public servants, should put in place the end-user engagement policies. The users should be consulted prior to decision to purchase or rent the houses. The continuous assessment should be made on the viability of the projects with special attention to their locations, mortgage alternatives, and the prices. Since the majority of the government employees are incapable of purchasing the houses through cash deposit, there must be a flexible purchase mechanism to facilitate their financial support. The public sector housing provision policy should aim a providing houses to low and middle income earners at affordable prices and comfortable loan payment instalments.