Final answer:
The statement that the majority of new arrivals in Third World cities settle in impoverished squatter districts is true, as these areas often lack basic infrastructure, and new residents are forced to live in informal dwellings. Urban expansion aggravates these issues, making it difficult for services to reach these growing populations. The correct answer is option a.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that the majority of new arrivals in Third World cities settle in impoverished squatter districts is generally true. In Latin American cities, for example, the poorest often inhabit the far suburbs or the outer limits of the cities in areas known as barrios or favelas. These settlements are characterized by the lack of basic infrastructure such as sewers, clean water, electricity, and reliable transportation. New residents, often migrants from rural areas, are forced to build informal dwellings on land they do not own, and the absence of public services creates challenging living conditions.
As cities expand rapidly, the governments struggle to extend public utilities to these burgeoning squatter zones. It may take years for amenities like cellular service, electricity, or basic sanitation to reach these districts. Consequently, these areas endure problems such as traffic congestion, high crime rates, health issues, and pollution. This situation contrasts with urban centers in North America, where the urban poor often reside closer to the central business districts and are more likely to have access to public services.
Historically, similar conditions prevailed in the tenement buildings of industrial-era United States cities, which were overcrowded and unsanitary. This led to the development of slums with high rates of disease transmission. Urban migration, whether in past or present contexts, often creates challenges for city infrastructure and the provision of services, particularly affecting the impoverished segments of urban populations.