Overpopulation of urban areas has led to numerous problems. Identify one or two serious ones and suggest ways that governments and individuals can tackle these problems.

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People flock to cities in search of a better life, but at the same time bring forth problems such as traffic congestion and rising house prices, posing a challenge both to governments and individuals.

Overpopulation leads to traffic conundrums. The influx of people overloads city transport systems, leaving in its wake traffic jams in which daily commuters have to spend long hours fuming on trains. As they expend more time on the road, their time spent on meaningful work would decline accordingly, resulting in a significant production loss to society. The rise in population also gives birth to housing problems, for example rent increases and high property price, since the competition for a place to shelter gets ever more intense. Consequently, those less well-off have to live on the outskirts of cities where the cost of living is lower, often at the expense of commuting time and life satisfaction.

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Governments can take measures to resolve these issues. One concerns building infrastructure. Opening more commuter routes will relieve stress on public transport, and city officials should encourage residents to travel by bus or train. As to housing problems, good urban planning and policy help. More high-rise apartment blocks could be built in densely populated urban areas to increase housing stock and lower price. Doling out housing subsidies and low-interest loan also lightens the burden of would-be home buyers.

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Individuals for their part make contributions too. By choosing to live close to their workplace, office workers cut commuting time and reduce road traffic. Young people can also opt to share a roof with their friends or families to bring living costs down.

Problems attendant on overpopulation are numerous but not insolvable. Governments and individuals should make a concerted effort to cure the ills of city life, so as to ensure more can enjoy the virtue of it.

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