Residents' Satisfaction with Public Housing in Hulhumale' Area of Male', Maldives

Abstract

This paper examines the residents' satisfaction with public housing in the Hulhumale' area of Male' in the Maldives, with a focus on physical features, the provision of services, public facilities and the social environment in the housing area and their contributions to residents' overall housing satisfaction. The findings show that a majority of the residents are only slightly satisfied, though satisfaction levels are generally higher for the provision of services and public facilities, compared to the satisfaction with physical space in the housing unit and the social environment in the neighbourhood. The study infers that merely providing housing does not ensure the success of housing development and policies in the Maldives.