Discuss how the growth of urban centres can lead to both of the following problems, with reference to example(s) from one or more developing world cities that you have studied: - Traffic congestion - Urban sprawl. - Leaving Cert Geography - Question 11B - 2021

The growth of urban centres such as Lagos often leads to significant traffic congestion. As populations increase, more people rely on cars and public transportation, leading to congestion on the roads. Poor urban planning, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of efficient public transport systems exacerbate this issue. For instance, in Lagos, daily traffic can lead to hours of delays due to the high volume of vehicles and limited road capacity. The gridlock impacts economic activity and contributes to increased air pollution, as vehicles spend more time idling.

Urban sprawl is another common issue linked to urban growth. In cities like Lagos, population growth has led to the expansion of residential areas beyond the city center, often into rural areas. This sprawl can result in a reliance on cars for commuting, contributing further to traffic congestion. Urban sprawl also leads to significant social and environmental challenges, including loss of agricultural land, increased infrastructure costs, and challenges in providing public services to widely dispersed populations. For example, informal settlements are frequently established on the outskirts of Lagos, often lacking proper sanitation and infrastructure.