Guatemala’s poverty is rooted
in many social, economic and political factors, manifested by their
high illiteracy, poor health and extremely inadequate housing.
According to a report from the COHRE (Centre on Housing
Rights and Evictions) in 2003, more than half of the population lives
in non-suitable 'houses', coupled with a shortage of approximately
1.5 million houses. These data are consistent with the results of
research published by the Guatemala government in 2005.
In addition to the already existing shortage of houses,
hurricane Stan caused a lot of damage to the country in October 2005
and made a large number of people house and homeless. In the area
of housing, Guatemala still has not fully recovered.
Most of the population living in poverty resides in
make-shift housing made of corn stalk walls, dirt floors, and roof
shelters comprised of garbage materials (cardboard and plastics) and
corrugated iron or wood. It is common for a house to consist of only
one room in which people live, cook and sleep. During the season of
heavy rains, problems of poor drainage and mud further complicate
the housing situation, compromising the health and survivability of
families.
Constru Casa - La Antigua Guatemala - Guatemala contacto@construcasa.org Tel/Fax (+502) 7832 2369