managing growth of squatter settlements

• What characterizes a squatter settlement?

  An illegal, self-built housing area without proper planning
• What often lacks in a squatter settlement?

  Basic services
• What are favelas?

  Brazilian squatter settlements
• Where are favelas often built?

  On steep hillsides and flood-prone land
• What are favelas constructed from?

  Scrap materials like wood, bricks, and plastic
• What are two primary drivers of rapid favela development in Rio?

  Rural-urban migration and poverty
• Why does the lack of affordable housing contribute to favela growth?

  It forces people to build informal homes
• What makes the location of favelas dangerous?

  Steep slopes prone to landslides and floods
• What is one environmental hazard favelas are often close to?

  Open sewers
• How do favelas create social risks?

  High crime rates lower life expectancy
• How do favelas create health risks?

  Overcrowded housing and poor sanitation
• What does limited healthcare in favelas impact?

  Lower life expectancy
• What is the Favela Bairro Project?

  A government scheme to improve favelas
• What is the Favela Bairro Project's primary approach?

  Upgrading infrastructure rather than demolishing homes
• What are three improvements commonly made under the Favela Bairro Project?

  • Paved roads and proper drainage systems
  • Water supply and electricity installation
  • Healthcare, education, and legal land ownership
• How does legal land ownership help favela residents?

  It encourages investment in homes and communities
• What is the long term impact of legal land ownership?

  Improving living conditions
• Why are self-help schemes important in favelas?

  They improve homes at lower costs
• How do self-help schemes affect the community?

  Building community pride
• What is site and service development?

  Government provides infrastructure, families build homes
• What basic infrastructure is part of site and service development?

  Water, sanitation, roads
• What is the aim of pacification (UPPs) in favelas?

  To reduce crime and weaken drug gangs
• How does pacification help favela residents and businesses?

  It restores safety
• What is the purpose of cable car systems in favelas?

  Easy access to the city centre
• What do cable cars provide access to?

  Jobs and services
• What factor causes favela improvements to be outpaced?

  The speed of urban growth
• What problems persist despite favela improvements?

  Overcrowding, poverty, and crime
• Why is community participation vital in favela management?

  Solutions are more sustainable and meet real needs
• What is the long-term goal of managing favelas?

  Integrate favelas into the formal city
• What are two key outcomes of integrating favelas into the formal city?

  Reduce inequality and improve quality of life