What challenges do rapidly growing cities in LICs face?

Rapidly growing cities in LICs face challenges such as inadequate housing, poor infrastructure, unemployment, and environmental degradation.

One of the primary challenges is inadequate housing. As cities grow quickly, the demand for housing often outstrips supply, leading to the development of informal settlements or slums. These areas typically lack basic amenities like clean water, sanitation, and electricity, making living conditions very difficult for residents.

Poor infrastructure is another significant issue. Many rapidly growing cities in LICs struggle to provide sufficient roads, public transport, and waste management systems. This can result in traffic congestion, increased pollution, and inefficient waste disposal, which can have serious health implications for the population.

Unemployment and underemployment are also major concerns. While cities may offer more job opportunities than rural areas, the rapid influx of people can lead to a surplus of labour. This often results in high levels of unemployment or people working in low-paying, informal jobs without job security or benefits.

Environmental degradation is a further challenge. Rapid urbanisation can lead to the destruction of natural habitats, increased air and water pollution, and greater pressure on local resources. For example, deforestation may occur to make way for new housing or industrial areas, and rivers can become polluted from untreated industrial waste.

Additionally, social services such as healthcare and education often struggle to keep up with the growing population. Overcrowded schools and hospitals can lead to lower quality education and healthcare, which can have long-term negative effects on the community.

In summary, rapidly growing cities in LICs face a multitude of challenges that require comprehensive planning and investment to address effectively.