What is a squatter settlement?

A squatter settlement, also known as an informal or unplanned settlement, is an area where housing, often of substandard quality, is built on land that individuals or communities do not have legal ownership or rights to. These settlements typically emerge in urban areas, particularly in developing countries, due to rapid urbanization, population growth, and a lack of affordable housing options.

Here are some key features and characteristics of squatter settlements:

1. Unauthorized occupation: Squatter settlements involve the unauthorized occupation of land, typically either public or private property. Residents often lack legal documentation or recognition of their property rights.

2. Informal housing: The houses in squatter settlements are typically self-built using locally available materials like scrap metal, plastic, wood, or mud. These structures often lack basic amenities such as access to water, sanitation, and electricity.

3. Overcrowding and congestion: Squatter settlements are marked by high population density, with homes built very close together. Narrow, unplanned pathways are common, leading to congestion and limited access to public services.

4. Limited infrastructure: Due to their informal and unauthorized nature, squatter settlements usually lack basic infrastructure like roads, sewage systems, drainage facilities, and garbage disposal systems. This lack of infrastructure poses significant health and safety risks to residents.

5. Lack of social services: Squatter settlements often suffer from a lack of essential social services like education, healthcare, and security. The government may find it challenging to provide adequate services to these settlements due to their informal status.

6. Poverty and vulnerability: Residents of squatter settlements are often among the poorest and most vulnerable members of society. Lack of employment opportunities, limited access to formal financial services, and social exclusion contribute to their disadvantaged position.

7. Resistance to eviction: Once established, squatter settlements can persist for years and even become permanent communities. Residents often form tight-knit social networks and organize themselves to resist eviction attempts by authorities.

It is important to note that while squatter settlements face numerous challenges, they also exhibit a strong sense of community, resilience, and self-help. Many residents work collectively to improve their living conditions by advocating for their rights, accessing basic services, and engaging in urban development initiatives.