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ontinuing from a previous post, pollution is the biggest disadvantage of cities and one of its saddest realities. Pollution is a result of various contributing factors and during the course would be explored. One form of pollution is a result of informal urban settlements in and around the city, for instance a slum area or a squatter settlement. Major countries of the world face the problem of slums developing right outside their cities, making it some of the most unattractive sights. Slum areas are characterized by low income housing, no access to infrastructure and poor housing quality.

Our city of Port of Spain is no stranger to squatters. As a matter of fact, right outside of the city is a squatter settlement community called Sea Lots. This area is characterized by a lot of vagrancy, low income households and graffiti “decorating” the walls. This squatter settlement is a problem, not only because it is unsightly and not a characteristic of first world status, but the presence of squatters, causes much deeper problems.

Squatters have the basic sanitation issues which transforms into pollution. They lack the basic needs like a clean water supply. Improper disposal of waste, results in pollution of the surrounding areas and many times it escapes into the neighboring sea. This is the origins of water pollution in Port of Spain. Many a time one passes and solid waste matter is visible on the sea line, close to the Sea Lot area. It is unpleasant. Throughout the community, drains are noticeably overflowing with dirty water, and litter is strewn throughout the street. This shows a positive correlation between a low income slum area and low sanitation rates.

Vagrant walking along Sea Lots