One billion people live in informal settlements
The recent COVID-19 pandemic that overwhelms several countries has changed the way we do things. A significant aspect of this change is the partial or complete lockdown experienced by several countries, where citizens are left to stay indoors to protect themselves against spreading the virus. What darmowa ruletka can you use to estimate the spread of the virus?
Nevertheless, that is not the case for the most exposed communities worldwide. According to recent statistics, an estimated one billion people live in informal settlements. This is not because of the pandemic, as even in their best conditions, these people live in grossly inadequate settlements. For instance, the communities are overpopulated with families living without an adequate regular income, sanitation, and water. Therefore, this makes COVID-19 prevention methods such as hand washing and social distancing extremely difficult.
To provide solutions to these problems, diverse groups are taking relevant actions to help families living in these informal settings. Nevertheless, these groups have not found a workable solution as they are still experimental on what works or does not. Several countries face similar issues, ranging from congested transport systems and under-equipped healthcare systems to poor infrastructure. Let us explore some challenges facing these informal settlements that several organizations are trying to fix. We will identify the critical challenges for those living in these conditions.
Access to food
Because of the lockdowns, businesses were either at a standstill or slow. Most people eat and live from hand to mouth in these informal settlements. They depend on their daily income to survive for the day. It is like having no financial resources to purchase food items required for the family. People who saved little money had to purchase food at a higher price because of inflation to aggravate the matter.
Security
Another critical thing affecting these informal settlements is the issue of security. With unemployment increasing, this has led to an increased level of insecurity. Insecurity includes gender-based violence, crime, and domestic violence. Another insecurity aspect is the risk of transmitting COVID-19, as most people tend to hide their symptoms because of stigmatization.
Reduced income opportunities
Most people living in informal settlements are day laborer’s. The economic slowdown and social distancing criteria have made workplaces where daily workers are required to shut down, thereby sending laborer’s home. In addition, most organizations and enterprises that should have provided employment or support for these workers are taking their businesses online, making it hard for people in these informal settlements to find work.
Access to education
While most schools changed their learning process to an online platform pending further notice, that is different for those who live in informal settlements. Without access to the internet and electricity, it is hard to navigate an e-learning platform. Therefore, this has increased the gap between the rich and the poor.
Social distancing issues
People living in informal settlements are confronted with over-population as you can see more than six persons living in a small home. In addition, houses are built closely, making it hard to social distance.
Access to health, sanitation, and water
Finally, people in informal settlements are faced with the challenge of having access to quality health facilities, good water, and a sanitation system. As government agencies are trying their best to flatten the curve, that cannot be said for those living in these informal settlements.
