Already the march of development has destroyed many of the town walls and gates. In the modern world the automobile, and the misuse of inappropriate building materials, are leaving scars everywhere. Yemeni people have inherited building skills since ancient times, and construction seems to be in their life-blood. Apart from some demonstration projects, most new house construction is carried out on traditional lines, by private individuals. There have been some large scale projects carried out by public institutions.
Most housing is constructed by the inhabitants themselves.
In contrast to many developing countries, the Yemen does not seem to have suffered from an acute housing problem. Only a few squatter settlements exist, such as those made by workers coming from the Tihama to become employed in street sweeping in Sana'a. The result is the achievement of a functional and harmonious architecture suited to the life of the Yemeni people. However, when alien techniques and materials are introduced, there are several effects. If local communities are to participate in self-help for construction, money must be spent locally, on local materials and labour.