Squatter Settlements

Question 1

What are the characteristics of a squatter settlement? 6 characteristics

Answer 1

Poorly constructed buildings made of scrap materials, can be unsafe-Social
Lots of people causes noise pollution-Environmental
No shops nearby-Social
No urban planning or regulations
Poor infrastructure-Environmental
No taps-Social
Few toilets-Social
Open sewers and landfill areas-Social/Environmental

Question 2

What are the impacts of living in squatter settlements? 5 impacts

Answer 2

Overcrowding causes disease to spread quickly-Social and economic because treatment is expensive
Abortion rates are high-Social
Overcrowding also increases the volume of pollution-Environmental
There is little water forcing people to use water from rivers, polluting them-Environmental
Increase in the informal sector as it is difficult to find jobs in squatter settlements/No income for the city-Economic

Question 3

Name 5 different strategies to improve squatter settlements.

Answer 3

DIY Schemes-residents helping themselves, being provided with foundations of a building to build on.
Assisted self help schemes (ASH)-charities and authorities working with local people.
International help-charities and organisations improving infrastructure and lives.
Site and service-when authorities improve homes, connect to mains, install plumbing. Authorities then ask for a small nominal rent to encourage residents to find work.
Relocation-people are ‘decanted’ or moved into new housing.

Question 4

Where is Kibera located?

Answer 4

Kibera is located in the south west of Nairobi, Kenya, in Eastern Africa. It is just north of the Ngong River.

Question 5

Why is Kibera located where it is?

Answer 5

1. It is a flood prone area and developers don’t want the land
2. It is close to the CBD for employment
3. Close to the Ngong river to wash in and collect water

Question 6

What are the characteristics of Kibera?

Answer 6

1. 1 million people live there- increases pollution
2. Overcrowding - There is 1 metre of floor space per resident
3. Disease spreads quickly (HIV AIDS) due to overcrowding- social and economic as treatment is expensive
4. Poor sanitary conditions- open sewers and landfill, pests and vermin
5. Little infrastructure- no running water or electricity
6. 80% unemployment- increase in formal sector

Question 7

What changes and improvements are being made to Kibera?

Answer 7

1. Self Help - Residents paint and maintain homes
2. Assisted self help - Local authorities provide finance, sanitation, and water; Nathan Collett’s film school; Andre Leenheer’s Boxing gym;
3. International help- Comic relief in 2011 worked with Kibera slums, Increased awareness and made money; Gap year students work with local people and organisations
4. Site and service/Relocation - Residents taken from slums to decanting site; slums are improved, rebuilt, connected to mains, sewers. Residents move back and pay monthly rent