Assessing the Quality of Life in Public Affordable Housing Projects in Amman, the Capital of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

Also Read: A Case Study-Affordable Housing.

The document titled "Assessing the Quality of Life in Public Affordable Housing Projects in Amman, the Capital of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan" provides a detailed examination of affordable housing initiatives in Amman and their impact on residents' quality of life. The study emphasizes the importance of evaluating housing quality through specific indicators and highlights the challenges faced by various housing projects.

Background and Context

Amman has seen significant urban growth, leading to increased demand for affordable housing. Many low- to middle-income families struggle with inadequate living conditions, which affects their overall quality of life. The study aims to assess how well public affordable housing projects meet residents' needs and expectations, focusing on three selected neighborhoods: Daheyat Al-Hussein, Abu Nseir, and Al-Mustanadah.

Methodology

The research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative data. It includes:

• Surveys: Questionnaires distributed to residents of the selected neighborhoods to gather their perceptions regarding housing quality and living conditions.
• Interviews: Discussions with housing experts and stakeholders to gain insights into the effectiveness of current housing policies and projects.
• Case Studies: In-depth analysis of the three neighborhoods to evaluate how they perform against established quality indicators.

Key Findings

Housing Quality Indicators

The study identifies several key indicators that significantly influence the quality of life in affordable housing projects:

1. Housing Units: The physical condition, size, and layout of individual units.
2. Residential Buildings: The overall maintenance, safety features, and communal spaces available within buildings.
3. Neighborhood Environment: Accessibility to services, green spaces, public transport, and community facilities.

Comparative Analysis

• Daheyat Al-Hussein emerged as the most successful neighbourhood in terms of fulfilling quality indicators. Residents reported higher satisfaction levels due to better infrastructure and community services.
• In contrast, Abu Nseir and Al-Mustanadah face significant challenges such as poor maintenance, lack of essential services (like healthcare and education), and inadequate public transport options. These deficiencies contribute to lower overall satisfaction among residents.

Resident Satisfaction

The findings reveal a direct correlation between residents' satisfaction with their neighborhood conditions and their perceived quality of life. Factors such as social services availability, environmental quality (including noise levels and pollution), and community engagement play crucial roles in shaping residents' experiences.

Challenges Identified

The study highlights several challenges that hinder the effectiveness of affordable housing projects:

• Maintenance Issues: Many buildings suffer from neglect due to insufficient funding for upkeep.
• Service Gaps: A lack of essential services like schools and healthcare facilities limits residents' quality of life.
• Social Cohesion: Limited opportunities for community interaction reduce social ties among residents, impacting overall well-being.

Recommendations

To enhance the quality of life in Amman's affordable housing projects, the study recommends:

1. Improved Maintenance Protocols: Establishing regular maintenance schedules funded by local authorities or resident associations.
2. Enhanced Service Provision: Increasing investment in essential services such as education, healthcare, and public transport within these neighbourhoods.
3. Community Engagement Initiatives: Encouraging resident participation in decision-making processes related to their living environment can foster a sense of ownership and improve social cohesion.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the assessment underscores that while some affordable housing projects in Amman show promise in enhancing residents' quality of life, significant gaps remain. Addressing these gaps through targeted interventions can lead to more sustainable living conditions for low- to middle-income families. The study advocates for a comprehensive approach that incorporates resident feedback into future planning processes to ensure that affordable housing meets not only basic needs but also contributes positively to overall well-being. Further reading: [PDF] Jordan Affordable Housing Programme Report - UN-Habitat unhabitat