Urban
Problems in LEDCs
Rapid
urbanisation in Less Economically DEveloped Countries (LEDCs)
is causing many problems. Many new migrants to cities in LEDCs
cannot afford housing. They are forced to build temporary accommodation
in spontaneous settlements. These settlements are commonly known
as 'shanty towns'. They are also called Favelas (Brazil) or Bustees
(India). Three main features of a shanty town are:
1.
Houses are made from scrap materials such as wood and metal sheeting
2.
Often housing is do not have services such as sanitation, water
or electricity.
3.
The settlements are usually very overcrowded.
Sao Paulo, Brazil is an example of a city with a large area of
shanty settlements.
Case
Study - Sao Paulo, Brazil
Sao Paulo
is a city located on Brazil's south-east coast. It is Brazil's
largest city with a population of approximately 25 million. The
population of Sao Paulo has grown for a number of reasons. Natural
Increase is one reason for its growth (this is when the birth
rate is higher than the death rate). The population has also grown
as the result of urbanisation. The has been caused by rural to
urban migration. Millions of people have migrated from Brazil's
rural areas to Sao Paulo. In Sao Paulo 65% of urban growth is
a result of migration. This is caused by a variety of push and
pull factors.
The rapid
growth of Sao Paulo's population has led to a severe shortage
of housing. Millions of people have been forced to construct their
own homes from scrap materials such as wood, corrugated iron and
metals. These areas of temporary accommodation are known as favelas
in Brazil.
The conditions associated with favelas are very poor. Often families
have to share one tap, there is no sewerage provision, disease
is common and many people are unemployed.
Favelas are
located on the edge of most major Brazilian cities. They are located
here for a number of reasons. Firstly, this is the only available
land to build on within the city limits. Secondly, industry is
located on the edge of the cities. Many people need jobs therefore
they locate close to factories.
Some of these
settlements may be 40 or 50 km from the city centre (on the edge
of the city), along main roads and up very steep hillsides.
Solving
the Problem
The authorities
in Sao Paulo have taken a number of steps to reduce problems in
favelas. They have set up self-help schemes. This is when the
local authority provide local residents with the materials needs
to construct permanent accommodation. This includes breeze blocks
and cement. The local residents provide the labour. The money
saved can be spent on providing basic amenities such as electricity
and water.
Not all people living in Sao Paulo are poor. Many wealthy people
live close to the CBD.
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