Living Conditions & Infrastructure:
Overcrowding and High Density:
Slums are often characterized by high population density and limited living space, leading to cramped conditions and a strain on resources.
Substandard Housing:
Many slum dwellers live in informal settlements with inadequate housing structures, often built with flimsy materials and lacking proper sanitation and hygiene facilities.
Insecure Tenure:
Many slum dwellers have insecure tenure, meaning they lack legal rights to their land or housing, making them vulnerable to eviction and displacement.
Lack of Basic Amenities:
Access to clean water, sanitation, and waste disposal is often limited or non-existent in slums, leading to health risks and unsanitary conditions.
Unhealthy Living Conditions:
Slums are often located in hazardous areas, such as near industrial zones or landfills, further exacerbating health risks.
Social & Economic Challenges:
Poverty and Unemployment:
Many slum dwellers live in poverty and struggle to find stable employment, often relying on informal or precarious work.
Lack of Education and Skills:
Limited access to quality education and vocational training hinders the ability of slum dwellers to improve their economic prospects.
Social Exclusion and Discrimination:
Slum dwellers often face social stigma and discrimination, leading to marginalization and limited access to opportunities and services.
Health Problems:
Poor living conditions, inadequate sanitation, and lack of access to healthcare lead to a higher prevalence of diseases and health problems in slums.
Malnutrition:
Poverty and lack of access to nutritious food contribute to malnutrition, particularly among children in slums.
Lack of Healthcare:
Limited access to healthcare facilities and qualified medical personnel further exacerbates health problems in slums.
Cycle of Poverty:
The challenges faced by slum dwellers often create a cycle of poverty, making it difficult for them to escape their circumstances.