Low Income Housing... Squatter Settlement

           As seen in previous post, urban congestion is a direct result of urbanization causing decentralization and urban sprawl leading to the development of rich suburbs (gated communities and high rise apartments). Urban congestion also lead to the formation of Squatter Settlement  and low income residential housing on the fringes of the city. As growth and development continues the cost of living rises, people lose their jobs, rent and cost of land and houses increase drastically and some are unable to keep up with the increase in the cost of living and are push out of the city. The result is low quality settlement as seen in the following pictures. 

         
         These residential housing can be planned, low income, high density, small housing designs eg Beetham or squatter settlement, unplanned and illegal as seen in Sea Lots. Characterized by poor housing infrastructure and lack of basic amenities, these houses are found crammed together with little or no space between them. There are high levels of unemployment and poverty in these areas due to lack of governmental assistance.

        Urbanization, poverty and socio-cultural factors are the drivers of this type of informal settlement. Some people are quite satisfied with their living conditions as one can find a sense of community and kinship among residents. Many have labelled a negative stereotype to these places being associated with crime, violence, drugs, gangs and illegal activity. This type of negative connotation has led to further segregation, fragmentation and social exclusion.
        The congestion and high population density of these informal settlement causes pollution of the land and water, clearing of trees and lack of green space or personal space and poor road ways, limiting accessibility.  

        Report produced by Dr.Kevon Rhiney of the Department of Geology and Geography in the University of the West Indies, Mona, its titled

Housing Challenges in Third World Cities looks at the following issues in urban areas with respect to housing settlements:

• Housing Problems in Third World Countries
• Global Housing Challenges 
• Housing the Urban Poor
• Housing Policies and Urban Planning 
• Water and Sanitation for Urban Poor
• Types of Low-Income Housing 
• Evolution of Squatter Settlement
• Major Sources of Third World Housing
• Solutions
• Housing in the Caribbean
• Government Approaches
• Housing in Trinidad/Jamaica/Programs
• Current Situation