RAPID URBAN POPULATION GROWTH AND ITS IMPACT ON HOUSING AND ASSOCIATED FACILITIES, THE CASE OF DESSIE CITY ADMINISTRATION, AMHARA NATIONAL REGIONAL STATE, ETHIOPIA

ABSTRACT The purpose of this academic research was to generate knowledge or information about the features of urban population and its impact on housing and associated facilities in Dessie City Administration. To conduct the research, the study has employed a descriptive survey design and a mixed research approach. From a target population of 56, 695 household heads, 3 office heads and 10 experts; a sample of 186 household heads, 10 experts and 3 office heads were selected by proportionately stratified systematic random sampling, availability and purposive sampling techniques respectively. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected by using a mixed questionnaire, semi-structured interview, and document analysis. The quantitative data was descriptively analyzed for frequency and percentage, mean and standard deviation; while the qualitative one was thematically analyzed through quotation and narration. The major findings revealed that the urban population of Dessie city from 2016 2020 on average has grown at a rapid rate of 5.28%. The impact of rapid population growth has resulted a shortage of 22,897 housing units and 28,457,200 liters of water per annum and a daily shortage of 29,998.77-kilowatt electric supply. The result of this study revealed that, unless, real concern and commitment of the government is showed in strategically planning and resolving the problem of housing, it is worthless to expect urban poverty eradication and sustainable development. City administration should give tremendous attention to the housing problem of the city, coordinate stakeholders and implement contextually feasible and sustainable housing supply modalities such as the construction of affordable residential housing building apartments.