What term describes the lack of essential services in informal settlements?

What term describes the lack of essential services in informal settlements?

• A. Infrastructure development
• B. Basic service availability
• C. Service scarcity
• D. Social equity

Answer: (C)

The term that accurately describes the lack of essential services in informal settlements is service scarcity. This concept specifically refers to the inadequate availability of fundamental resources and facilities such as clean water, sanitation, electricity, and waste collection—services essential for a decent standard of living. In informal settlements, where residents often lack legal recognition and official support, these essential services are frequently limited or completely absent, resulting in a scarcity that significantly impacts the health and well-being of the community. In contrast, the other terms do not encapsulate this phenomenon as effectively. Infrastructure development refers to improvements and expansions of physical structures and facilities, which is not specific to the absence of services. Basic service availability implies a presence of services, rather than their lack. Social equity focuses on fairness and justice in the distribution and access to resources, which is broader and doesn't exclusively address the specific issue of insufficient services in informal settlements.

The term that accurately describes the lack of essential services in informal settlements is service scarcity. This concept specifically refers to the inadequate availability of fundamental resources and facilities such as clean water, sanitation, electricity, and waste collection—services essential for a decent standard of living. In informal settlements, where residents often lack legal recognition and official support, these essential services are frequently limited or completely absent, resulting in a scarcity that significantly impacts the health and well-being of the community.

In contrast, the other terms do not encapsulate this phenomenon as effectively. Infrastructure development refers to improvements and expansions of physical structures and facilities, which is not specific to the absence of services. Basic service availability implies a presence of services, rather than their lack. Social equity focuses on fairness and justice in the distribution and access to resources, which is broader and doesn't exclusively address the specific issue of insufficient services in informal settlements.