Time to address inequality

IT is hot, not warm, but boiling hot. But of course, this is the summer or dry season of our year. As suggested by the Department of Health, if possible, stay indoors from noon to 3 p.m. Unfortunately, indoors for some is constricted space, dense crowding, no cross-ventilation and no greenery in the vicinity. Some even have to continue working under the sun. These insupportable urban living conditions in our cities (not discounting what happens in rural areas) have to be addressed, and the best possible way is through legislation that provides the policy and means for better public housing - and most critically, correct and timely implementation.

Until now our public housing thrust has not made a dent on the needs of the general population or come up with imaginative and practical solutions to the oppressive conditions cited above. By and large, public housing is located far from urban areas or workplaces. Moreover, transportation for them is inadequate and expensive. So, there are no enthusiastic takers, just relocated folk who sooner or later abandon the less-than-viable surroundings and go back where they came from to find work. The design and accommodations for public housing are almost antihuman in the lack of adequate space for the average family (definitely large families are not served), and there is a disregard for settings of greenery, accessibility, health and education facilities, and other needs. And the presence of public housing seems to be invisible. We are more fixated on roads, bridges and public buildings. Public transportation should take precedence in the new expressways, but they are geared for private vehicles. That generally excludes the general public who would be living in public housing.