Urban areas sees rapid increase in housing needs

He said, according to the 2022 Housing Census, about 37.2% of urban households live in single multiple-purpose rooms (an all-in-one room including bathroom and kitchen space), of which about 18.3% are overcrowded (more than three people occupying a room).

“Access to adequate housing is constrained by issues of affordability, and this situation is worsened by the high prevalence of poverty and unemployment in our country. Other challenges include the poor quality of housing structures and lack of essential services such as sanitation, particularly in rural areas,” he said.