The shanty towns are overcrowded because the local authorities are not building enough affordable housing. This ac of affordable housing also leads to the growth of illegal settlements.

Shanty towns are built from poor quality materials, which are often scavenged. The buildings are structurally unstable and unsightly.

There is no piped water, proper sewage system, electricity or refuse collection in the shanty towns.

Since there is no official street plan or addresses for the shanty towns, it is almost impossible to collect taxes or carry out accurate censuses.

High levels of disease arise from poor sanitation, high pollution and poor living standards.