Urban Housing Politics: Dynamics, Challenges and Coping Mechanisms of Urban Housing Problems in Sebeta Town

Urban housing demand is increasing with alarming rate in urban centers due to various factors instigate the demand. However, urban housing problems are not adequately emphasized by local urban administration and social thinkers in accordance with the seriousness and urgency of urban housing problems. This scenario produces multiple predicaments which complicates urban residents living condition mainly in terms of housing. In fact, urban residents tend to use different means to access their housing needs. The most predominantly prevalent housing option is housing rental which is not well investigated and incorporated into urban policy. Housing rental for residential purpose is highly neglected issue. Nevertheless, urban housing rental issue is demanding issue that requires proper attention. Furthermore, the most important point is the nature, patterns and degree of relationship between rentors and renters which need to be considered in critical manner. There are dynamics, challenges and controversies in relation to housing rental particularly for residential purpose. Sometimes residents who are offended by housing rental and shortage of urban housing supply enforced to engage in squatter settlement in order to meet housing demand in illegal or informal way. But, all squatter settlements are not initiated by urban poors rather urban capitalists or speculators can inevitably involve in squatter settlements which complicate the urban housing supply, demand and management. This study dedicated to investigate urban housing problems such as shortage, supply and management, dynamics of urban housing demands, challenges of urban housing rental, coping mechanisms of urban housing problems and associated squatter settlements.