Improving Life In The Favelas

Question 1

Construction

Answer 1

• Houses are poorly constructed, as they were built illegally with basic materials such as iron, broken bricks and plastic sheets.
• Many favelas are built on steep slopes and heavy rain storms can cause landslides.
• There is limited road access due to the steep ness of the slopes.

Question 2

Services

Answer 2

• Many homes use illegal connections to electricity pylons.
• Drinking water is often obtained by tapping into a city water main. Taps are often at the bottom of steep slopes and require several trips each day to fetch water.

Question 3

Unemployment

Answer 3

• Unemployment rates are as high as 20%.
• Much employment is poorly paid with irregular jobs in the informal sector.
• Incomes a month are low.

Question 4

Crime

Answer 4

• There is a high murder rate of 20 per 1000 people in many favelas.
• Drug gangs dominate many favelas.
• Many inhabitants distrust the police because of violence and corruption.

Question 5

Health

Answer 5

There are population densities of 37 000 per km2.

Infant mortality rates are as high as 500 per 1000.

Waste cannot be disposed of and builds up in the street, increasing the danger of disease.

Burning rubbish often sets fire to the wooden houses. Smome is harmful to health.