Major problems of urban settlements in developing countries are:
Economic problems- over urbanization or uncontrolled urbanization in developing countries is due to large scale in-migration of rural people. Decreasing employment opportunities in the rural as well as smaller urban areas has caused large scale rural-urban migration, Urban areas suffer from shortage of housing, transport, health and civic amenities. A large number of people live in substandard housing, i.e. slums and squatter settlements or on the streets.
Socio-cultural problems – cities in the developing countries suffer from several social ills. Inadequate social infrastructure and basic facilities is due to lack of financial resources and over population in cities. The available educational and health facilities remain beyond the reach of the urban poor. Cities suffer from poor health conditions. Lack of employment and education tends to aggravate the crime rates. Male selective migration to the urban areas distorts the sexratio in these cities.
Environmental problems – The large urban population in developing countries uses and disposes off a huge quantity of waste material in river water. Many cities of the developing countries do not provide the minimum required quantity of drinkable water and water for domestic and industrial uses. An improper sewerage system creates unhealthy conditions. Massive use of traditional fuel in the domestic as well as industrial sectors severely pollutes the air. Huge concrete structures of buildings create heat in the cities.
