Brazil Case Study Flashcards
What percentage of people live in Shanty Towns are Favelas?
40%
What are the problems with Shanty Towns?
Lack basic amenities such as sanitation, sewerage, water and electricity. Not capable of maintaining a basic standard of living
Where are Shanty Towns (Favela’s) found?
Inappropriate land. Could be prone to landslides as they are on steep slopes or land polluted by nearby industry.
Why are they a fire hazard?
Made predominately of cheap materials such as wood.
Why can’t the infrastructure cope?
Government can’t cope with population increases due to lack of money to maintain let alone improve them
Where are most people employed in these Favela’s?
Lack of employment so many work in informal sector, for example porters, shoe shiners. This employment for half of city’s work force.
Three ways in which Rio is trying to solve the problem?
1) Low-cost housing schemes
2) Self-help schemes
3) New town (Barra)
Problem with Barra?
Only available to those who can afford to pay the rent or cost of buying. Doesn’t help those in Favelas
How does the self-help scheme work?
Local authority provides materials and may provide ground work for drainage and sewers. Locals do most of the work themselves.
How does the low-cost housing scheme work?
Sturdy permanent houses built started by local authority. Tenants finish the building and pay a low rent to live in. Not everyone can afford this.
