What challenges did rapid population growth create in Balbala and Djibouti city?

Rapid population growth in Balbala and Djibouti city created significant socioeconomic and infrastructural challenges following independence.

In Balbala, an expansive squatter community that tripled in size within a decade, the primary struggle involved the urgent need for basic water and sanitary services. The city's overall growth—driven by a high birth rate, rural migration, and the influx of refugees fleeing regional conflict—placed immense strain on urban resources.123

Within Djibouti city, development was further complicated by:
* Housing Restrictions: Colonial and national policies limited permanent dwellings, forcing many to live in structures made of wood and corrugated iron.12
* Economic Hardship: Residents faced a high cost of living and unemployment, which exacerbated social tensions.12
* Social Inequality: While international aid helped improve infrastructure in older districts, progress was often perceived as uneven, fostering discontent regarding ethnic favoritism and a widening gap between the general population and a new urban elite.12