According to research, it has become increasingly common for individuals to reside in mega-cities that have more than 20 million residents. While there are clear benefits to living in large cities, I firmly believe that it is a largely negative development due to the housing and employment shortages it creates.
Admittedly, mega-cities can be regarded as a positive development due to their superior availability of essential services. Unlike smaller towns, they typically house advanced healthcare facilities, extensive transport networks, and prestigious educational institutions, driven by greater government investment. Residents consequently benefit from efficient medical care, convenient transportation, and enhanced educational opportunities – all of which improve their standard of living and long-term career prospects. A case in point is Dubai, where inhabitants enjoy world-class infrastructure that remains largely unavailable in less developed regions.
In my view, however, this trend is a largely negative development because it can lead to severe housing shortages. As mega-cities continue to attract millions of residents, the demand for accommodation often grows much faster than the available housing supply. This can ultimately drive up property prices and rental costs, making it increasingly difficult for many people to afford a suitable place to live. Take Mumbai as an example, where rapid urbanisation has contributed to acute housing shortages and the dramatic expansion of informal settlements.
Equally concerning is the scarcity of employment opportunities. When millions reside in mega-cities, many residents struggle to find stable jobs, thereby placing an immense financial burden on household budgets. As a result, they find it difficult to meet their basic needs such as food, shelter, and utilities, further diminish their quality of life. This is particularly problematic for people from low-income families who often have limited access to financial resources. Indonesia illustrates this compellingly, where rapid population growth in urban areas has led to intense job competition and rising unemployment rates.
In conclusion, although mega-cities offer some benefits such as better access to essential services, I believe the disadvantages outweigh them. Rapid population growth puts pressure on housing and job markets, leading to housing shortages, unemployment, and a lower quality of life. Their continued expansion therefore is, on balance, a largely negative development.