Urbanization Problems In Developing Countries
Developing countries are experiencing a rapid growth in the urbanization. As a result of these, countries are faced with shortage of jobs. Unemployment rates rise as a result of causing people to apply for government-funded programs and benefits. “Businesses and governments cannot produce enough jobs to meet the demand of a fast-growing population” in developing countries.
The problems associated with urbanization are: High population density, inadequate infrastructure, lack of affordable housing, flooding, pollution, slum creation, crime, congestion and poverty.
HIGH POPULATION DENSITY
This problem of high population density is caused due to the heavy rate of migration from rural areas. The rapid population growth has led to an acute shortage of dwelling units which resulted to; overcrowding, traffic congestion, pollution, housing shortages (slum and squatter housing), high rents, poor urban living conditions, low infrastructure services, poverty, unemployment, and poor sanitation which has become pervasive and indeed high crime rate. All of these have an effect on the high population density in developing countries.
INADEQUATE INFRASTRUCTURES
One major serious aspect of the urban problem is the poor state of the infrastructures. Some developing countries are still faced with bad road network, lack of power supply, inadequate water supply and some basic amenities.
LACK OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Lack of affordable housing has led to confrontations with well – organized squatters, who take over unoccupied buildings to live rent- free or prevent demolitions. Which has brought about, lack of housing vacancy rate, due to the rapid job growth and housing costs that has increased. Problems such as insufficient housing, especially particular for low – income families, are being faced, which resulted in overcrowding of already congested areas, the continuing deterioration of rundown neighborhoods, high social cost and untold personal misery. Measures proposed to offset rising costs in public housing include, less exclusionary zoning regulations, reduced tax burdens, cooperation with the private builders, Encouragement of cooperative housing organization, promotion of industrialized building techniques, Use of low- cost building materials and cheaper mortgage credit.
FLOODING
Flooding is a very serious problem faced in urban areas, especially in developing countries, during the rainy seasons. The drainage is poorly constructed leading to difficulty in accessing the roads due to the flood leading to the flood disaster in some developing countries.
CREATION OF SLUM
The growth of slums in cities is one of the serious problems created by the rapid industrialization and urbanization. The following projects are introduced to eliminate slums in urban societies; extensive slum clearance, rehabilitation and rebuilding, slum improvement scheme, construction of a network of expressways to alleviate urban decay and ensure the future propensity of the central areas, relocation of inhabitant to the suburb, slum upgrading scheme which makes provision of some basic amenities such as street lights,drainage, and accessible roads.
CRIME
The increase in population leads to an increase in crime rate. Due to the high level of urban unemployment, idleness and joblessness, this has brought about a high increase in crime rates suffered by the majority of the people in Urban cities. “Without economic security and amid poor living conditions, crime is inevitable”
CONGESTION
It could be in traffic and overcrowding. In traffic, there is an overcrowding of a route, leading to slow and inefficient flow which makes movement difficult. Large increases in motor vehicle usage have resulted in congestion on the roads. Congestion within urban areas restricts accessibility. Traffic flow could be controlled by various rules, regulation and signs which are used to keep traffic flow smoothly. The traffic flows helps to avoid collisions and other hazard.
Source: www.linkedin.com
26 July 2023