But in fact, some favelas have been home to four generations of the same family. During the 1970s and 80s, life in the favelas improved with policy changes that provided more assurance that residents would not be forcibly removed. Many responded by replacing their colorful wooden shacks with sturdier brick or concrete structures. Some of the pathways running through the favelas were paved with concrete and open sewers were partially covered. Many homes tapped into the municipal water system with thin plastic pipes.
Most homes have electricity, legally or otherwise connected, and a few even have satellite dishes.
But life in the favelas is still difficult and dangerous. At night, drug traffickers rule the hillsides. But life expectancy for such children is short. Fixing property limits Built helter-skelter on public land or on properties long ago ceded by the owners, few favela lots are titled. This means that residents cannot use their homes as collateral to finance home improvements or business ventures.