Vast numbers live in shanty towns in cheap, self-made sheds. There is insufficient clean water or sanitation, few schools, few amenities of any kind. Health suffers first. It is estimated that 100 million people in cities are homeless in both developed and developing countries. Some of the worst polluting industries are likely to be located in poor or racially distinct neighbourhood.
Water is the single most valuable resource for cities.
Many cities are facing a serious shortage of safe drinking water as a result of leaking pipes and pollution from POPs. Most city people in developing countries end up boiling their water, or buying bottles. Where piped fresh water is available, it usually only goes to elite residential areas. The poor still have to buy their water through middle men and end up paying more for it than the rich.