What do urban problems refer to? Housing problems Transport problems Urban decay Pollutions Social problems

Causes of urban problems in cities of developing countries Rapid increase of population due to large scale rural-urban migration and high rates of natural increase High degree of primacy Low level of industrialization and slow economic poor governance

Nature of housing problems Shortage of accommodation Substandard houses made of any materials Unobtainable to basic facilities such as clean water, electricity and sewage system Unobtainable to urban resources such as job opportunities, transport, education, medical and social services

Problems related to shortage of of accommodation Growing squatter and slum population as most immigrants tend to build themselves a shelter on land which does not belong to them. Or rent a single room in overcrowded and deteriorated slums near the CBD.

Problems related to substandard houses Risk of collapse, Risk of landslide Risk of fire overcrowding

Problems related to unobtainable to basic facilities Poor sanitation Poor living environment Outbreak of diseases

Problems related to unobtainable to urban resources Unemployment and underemployment Social problems such as family conflicts, mental distresses High crime rate Social unrest

Solutions Site and service scheme Squatter improvement scheme Squatter and slum clearance and resettlement scheme

Site and service scheme Self help scheme Provide squatter occupants with building materials Provide with basic services(water and electricity)

Advantages Require smaller capital amount Improve skill of local people Preserve community spirit for certain extent Improve housing conditions a lot

Disadvantages New sites are usually in suburbs Squatter occupants are reluctant to move in due to poor accessibility

Squatter improvement scheme Provide basic services(water supply, electricity and sewage system) Squatter remain at the places where they are occupying

Advantages Its the cheapest and easiest way Improve living conditions for certain extent Entirely preserve community spirit

Disadvantages The unpleasant squatter settlement remains unchanged in location and appearance The improvement attracts more incoming occupants Overcrowding problems deteriorated

Squatter and slum clearance and resettlement scheme Clearance of illegal and unsafe settlements Provide accommodation with standard basic facilities for squatter inhabitants The most comprehensive scheme

Advantages A scheme thoroughly solve al the housing problems Urban renewal becomes possible

Disadvantages Require large amount of capital Require high technology level Disputes related to resettlement Acts of rebellious and violence taken by people being affected

Worksheet question 1. Squatter settlements

Question 2. Houses are constructed from any materials available- wood, corrugated iron or cardboard. Houses are built on hill slopes without safe foundations nor slope retaining walls. Houses are simply shelters of rain and sunlight, do not meet basic health and safety standards.

Question 3 Lack of clean water supply Lack of properly installed electricity supply Lack of properly run waste disposal and sewage system Lack of paved footpaths or vehicular roads Lack of open space or recreational facilities Lack of public lighting

Question 4 Risks of collapse, fire and landslides Poor sanitation Poor ventilation Overcrowding Environmental pollution Outbreak of diseases Visual pollution Family conflict and mental distress

Question 5 Rapid increase of urban population due to continuous influx of rural immigrants Lack of financial resources to provide adequate accommodation due to Slow economic growth Lack of town planning Inefficient government

Question 6 Squatter improvement scheme or Site and service scheme Give comments on its effectiveness