their role as centres of attraction for the population, and 38% were in rural areas, whereas only 6% were in Guadalajara and Monterrey and only 11% in the Federal District and its conurbation. 247. Altogether, in the period 1983-1987, with the investments made by public bodies and institutions that carry out ordinary housing programmes, over 1.2 million housing units were completed, providing homes for roughly 6.5 million persons; this represents an unprecedented effort in the process of building dwellings for the Mexican people, particularly in view of the economic conditions that have been prevalent during the last few years. 248. In addition, between 1985 and 1987, 73,090 dwellings were completed to meet the housing needs of the population affected by the 1985 earthquakes. Of that total 48,800 housing units were built under the Programme for the Renovation of Popular Housing and the rest under the auspices of Democratic Reconstruction of Tlatelolco and the Emergency Housing Programme, phases I and II. Of the total of transactions concluded, 692,300 represented finishedE/1986/3/Add.l3 page 48 housing xanits, 168,542 units still being built, 108,301 sites with services connected, 202,482 improvements to dwellings and 95,151 credits for purchases from third parties, building on own plots and payment of debts. 249. The carrying-out of the housing programmes, including those concerned with reconstruction, gave direct employment to 700,000 building workers and contributed to maintaining roughly 2 million workers at work in related branches of industry. 250. With a view to encouraging community participation in do-it-yourself building schemes and the improvement and extension of their own homes the establishment and strengthening of building cooperatives continued to be encouraged. In the period 1983-1987 advice was given and opinions expressed on the formation of 794 building cooperatives, 14% concerned with production and 86% with consumption. 251. To improve the quality of components, elements and spaces in building
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing the housing sector in Mexico, specifically the efforts made by public bodies and institutions to provide housing for the population, including the construction of new homes, reconstruction after natural disasters, and community participation in DIY building schemes. The text also mentions the economic impact of these efforts, including employment and industry.

**Category**
Employment, Economic development