Problems Identified

Physical
1. Narrow Passaget
a. They pose a fire hazard
b. They pose a problem when moving large objects from the main
roads to residential areas.
c. Results in the sharing of paths with motorcycles, posing a danger
to kids using the same passage.
2. Privacy Issues
a. Houses open directly to the main passages, passers by can have
clear unobstructed views to the inside of the house
b. Location of communal toilets results in a lack of privacy
3. Overcrowding & Overpopulation
a. Houses can have up to 9 people staying in a 12m2 double storey
house, with older folk sleeping downstairs and younger ones upstairs
4. A General Lack of Space
a. A general lack of space sees most activities carried out in the
living room.
b. As a result, many activities such as food preparation, cooking and
laundry spill over.
5. Social Spaces
a. A lack of social spaces (specifically for kids) sees children playing
in dangerous undesirable environments.
6. Surface Exposure
a. Due to a lack of sunlight and ventilation, household chores such
as cooking and drying clothes becomes difficult for those who do not have well
ventilated spaces.
Political
1. Vertical Communication
a. Government officials seldom communicate with locals about
proper waste disposal nor are there measures in place to enforce it. No
separation of organic and inorganic wastes.
2. Land Ownership
a. Not all the land up for development is owned by the government.
b. Most houses have been passed down through the generations
3. Resident Responses
a. They dont want to move because of the convenience of nearby
amenities.
b. Residents concerned that government would not be able to
relocate them to an appropriate area while the area is being developed. In
addition, the renovation of the market would create a big disruption in the
livelihood of the residents.

Infrastructure
1. Drainage
a. No efficient infrastructure in place. Common to observe ponding of
wastewater at lower lying areas.
2. Solid and Liquid Waste Disposal
a. Sewage is dumped directly into river after a very rough filtration
process.
b. Trash is only collected 3 times a week. There is also a general
lack of waste disposal facilities and bins.
c. Community initiatives not effective due to residents daily routines.
Money more important than cleanliness.
7. Water supply
a. Water supplies may get interrupted without warning, causing
residents to stock some water in case of emergencies.
8. Law
a. Current spate of petty crimes, lack of police presence in the more
secluded areas.

Vision: A better standard of living

1. More social spaces (especially for children)
2. Better sanitation
3. Wishes that government help build more live-able and cleaner environment.
Something simple and enjoyable.
4. Interviewees were typically acceptable of an alternate building form, so long as
the government thinks it is the best thing for the residents.