The study shows that although the metropolization of HCMC has had
positive results for a large part of the population, it has also had a negative
impact on the environment and on the poorest members of the
community. The problem of precarious settlements thus combines two
fundamental urban issues: widening poverty and environmental risk as
a result of the lack of infrastructure.
Although limiting the social and environmental repercussions of urban
growth is bound to require sustainable urban development projects
involving large-scale operations, they should also – and above all –
include targeted and concerted action at local level. These must be
preceded and prepared by an interdisciplinary, participatory and educational
process addressing all urban players