Slum Prevalence and Crime incidence in Calabar, Nigeria

Abstract

The problems faced in slums go beyond defacing the city’s aesthetic quality and poor housing supply but extend to crime increase. In Calabar, the weaknesses of the government/development partners towards preparing and implementing urban renewal programmes/projects has resulted in sporadic increase in the prevalence of slums. Obviously, places of functional obsolescence with derelict features create breeding ground for crime to thrive. In Calabar, areas mainly in the city core are characterized with moribund environments, deteriorating/deteriorated housing units and poor sanitation systems all of which points to slum development. Crime is prevalent in such areas hence the need to carry out this study. The study focused on ascertaining slum prevalence and crime incidence. A sample of 400 respondents was taken using Taro Yamene formular. Data were obtained from both primary and secondary sources. Questionnaire and housing/environmental quality checklists were the major instrument for data collection. Data were analysed using relative index, frequencies and percentages. It was noted in the study that slums are prevalent in the study area and it prevalence contribute to increasing crime levels. This is because the absence of certain facilities constrain security operation in the slum prevalent area. The study recommended that there should be urgent urban renewal in the study area. Facilities and infrastructure that will increase security level should also be provided

Keywords: Slum, crime, housing/environmental quality, urban renewal, sustainability