The squatters of Manila

Both Jakarta and Manila has suffered a similar fate in rural migration of peasants to big cities. 

These are urban areas that did not have the local infrastructure to accommodate them, first of all, and aggravated by a local economy without meaningful jobs, if any at all. Hence the illegal occupation of public and private lands by these migrants. 

During the mid to late 19th centuries cities in Europe and in the U.S like NYC had undergone the same migration from the countryside. The difference was that manufacturing was in full swing because the cities had industrial jobs for them. 

In time their living conditions got better aside from the fact that there were no illegal occupation of public lands, which caused the problems you mentioned.

I read of a study from a pdf by a think tank whose name I dont recall right now that Manila is mostly 60% squatters. Jakarta also has fallen into a similar condition. 

In Manila the illegal shanties erected on waterways, and on bridges clogged up the sewage system built to handle a city meant to be without squatters.

I don't know off the hat what the solution is. But long range planning of the city e.g the establishment of economic zones away from cities which do not have proper infrastructure until depopulation of the waterways are effected, and the enforcement of laws.

As it is squatters are coddled by some politicians to ensure their victory in elections from what I have been told. 

They should also do something to syndicates who encouraged the stealing of public and private lands who then collect rent from these migrants, as protection. 

It this is true, then, city planners has to face this also as they work on modernizing the transportation and highway insfrastructure of Metro Manila. I heard of good things about what the govt will do to solve this difficult and long term issues.

My thoughts.

bangkaw