Towards Housing Provision for Government Employees in Tanzania: An Overview of House Types
Huba M. Nguluma

Abstract
One of the major problems faced by many developing countries is the provision of shelter for its citizens, the majority of which are poor. Over the years this problem has been compounded by government policies, rapid rates of urbanization mainly due to natural increase and migration; and failure of housing delivery structures to meet housing demand. The current socio-economic conditions of most third world countries seem to suggest that this situation is not likely to improve unless some positive interventions are made. The focus of this paper is placed on types of housing for government employees especially members of Police Force in Tanzania. An attempt is made to address the problem within its context, highlighting problems in existing types of housing and problems faced by officers and their families living in these houses. Case study research strategy was used in the study and data collection tools were interviews, observation, and photographic registration. The findings have provided basis for information of the problem and potentials in terms of functional requirements and spatial qualities of existing government employee’s house types. Major conclusion in this paper is that the provision of adequate shelter for the millions of people in the world, in this context shelter for government employees in Tanzania is considered to be very important. Adequate shelter means more than a roof over ones head, meaning adequate privacy, adequate security, structural stability and durability; adequate lighting and ventilation, adequate basic infrastructure, water, sanitation, waste management and adequate location with regards to work and basic facilities, all at affordable cost. Key recommendations given in this paper is consideration for construction of house types which are mult storey in order to assist in proper utilization of land, the government to ensure that all citizens have access to decent shelter, basic services, and maintenance to be of priority in order to have well functional buildings.

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