Guatemala’s poverty is rooted
in many social, economic and political factors, manifested by 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 statistics are consistent with the results of
research published by the Guatemalan government in 2005.
In addition to the already existing shortage of houses,
hurricanes and tropical storms cause great damage and make a large
numbers of people house and homeless. Hurricane Stan caused a lot
of damage in October 2005, and in late May 2010 tropical Storm Agatha
hit Guatemala hard, destroying thousands of homes due to mudslides caused by excessive rain.
Most of the population living in poverty resides in
make-shift housing made of corn stalk walls, dirt floors, and roofs
comprised of residual materials (cardboard and plastics)
and corrugated iron or wood. It is common for a house to consist of
only one room in which many people live, cook and sleep. Cooking inside on the floor in a poorly ventilated room leads to multiple health problems including asthma, poor hygiene and burns. In addition, there is no room for children to do work and no privacy within the home, which often leads to interfamily conflict. During the season
of heavy rains, problems of poor drainage and mud further complicate
the housing situation, compromising the health and the ability to
survive of families.
Constru Casa - La Antigua Guatemala - Guatemala contacto@construcasa.org Tel/Fax (+502) 7832 8348