Evaluation of the Public Housing Projects Role in Contributing to Mitigation of Housing Crisis in Gaza Strip

Abstract

Gaza Strip faces large and accumulating shortfall between the built and needed houses due to a high natural population growth, very high population density, difficult political and economic conditions and a suffocating siege imposed, with a high unemployment rate. This has caused an increase in the ongoing gap between housing demands and supply. The most prominent public housing projects in Gaza Strip implemented during the time period from 1994 to 2017 have been introduced. The aim of this research is to improve the contribution of the public housing projects in alleviating of housing crisis in Gaza Strip. Literature review and questionnaire survey were used. 80 copies of the questionnaire were distributed randomly to experts working in the housing field in Gaza Strip. 73 copies of the questionnaire were received with response rate of 91.25%. The most important result is that the public housing projects and public housing policies have a low rate in contribution to alleviating the housing crisis in Gaza Strip. There is lack of comprehensive, realistic and appropriate public housing policies. In addition to not reviewing and updating the public housing standards which have led to mistakes in the way of choosing the target group of public housing projects. The main obstacles facing the government in solving the housing crisis are lack of housing policies, shortage of economic resources of the government and citizens, shortage of the construction materials, high population density and high population growth rate.