Many of the nation's urban housing units and most of its rural dwellings have serious structural defects and lack electricity and potable water. Most dwellings were detached houses. Over 50% of all housing is owner occupied. As of 1995, there were about 205 "squatter" settlements inhabited by homeless or displaced persons. In these settlements, shelters are made of wood, cardboard, or mud, with zinc sheet roofs. A public housing program is supervised by the National Housing Bank. The Ministry of Public Health and Welfare is charged with the improvement of rural dwellings.
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