Recent developments in informal housing

Question 1

Problems of living in an informal settlement (8)

Answer 1

1. No proper toilets/sewage disposal
2. Flimsy houses leave people exposed to the elements
3. Lack of education and jobs
4. Overcrowding spreads diseases and illness
5. health hazard of pollution
6. Increases crime/ gangs/ drugs due to no proper authority and enforcement
7. No electricity - illegal tapping increases risks of fires and blackouts
8. No ownership of the land they live on - constant risk of being bulldozed

Question 2

Solutions for these problems (7)

Answer 2

1. ‘Self-help’ Scheme
2. Building proper facilities
3. New technology
4. ‘Pacification’
5. Painting their houses bright colours
6. Education
7. Cable cars

Question 3

Building facilities

Answer 3

Putting a tap with clean water in a central point.
Building proper toilet blocks.
Stops disease from spreading

Question 3

‘Self-help’ Scheme

Answer 3

Some city’s have implemented self help schemes where the city provides cheap building materials, an area of land (and sometimes a builder to give advice) and it is then up to the people who applied to the scheme to make their own houses. City saves labour money and the people get improved housing.

Question 4

New technology (2)

Answer 4

1. Placing plastic water tanks on top of the roofs to collect rainwater which can be used for washing and cleaning
2. Solar lamps - water bottle is filled with water and a little bleach and is placed on the roof it allows light inside without electricity, allowing people to work inside

Question 5

Pacification

Answer 5

Sending police in to clear out and arrest drug gangs. If the informal settlement becomes more peaceful then other services can start to be developed

Question 6

Painting their houses

Answer 6

Locals paint their houses in bright colours and are giving guided tours to tourists. These tourist schemes generate income for the community

Question 7

Education

Answer 7

Charities focus on providing education in informal settlements so that the cycle of poverty can be broken and families can improve their standards of living

Question 8

Cable cars

Answer 8

In Rio de Janeiro, they put cable cars to connect the city centre with the outskirts to help people find work. Takes up less space and is cheaper than railways/new roads.