THE Democratic Coalition for Change (DCC) Government has been urged to actively pursue growth centres as a quick fix for the sky-rocking urban mass migration.
A concern Malaitan George Ramo said urban drift is an urgent problem.
“This is a growing concern in Honiara and DCC must not take it lightly,” Mr Ramo said.
He said the trend of urban migration is alarming and leaders must quickly pursue the proposed growth centres as a way of fixing the problem.
“This is undeniably causing increases in squatter and illegal settlements.
“The illegal settlements are the breeding ground of unlawful social behavior and unwanted activities.”
He added that urbanization does not come free but also with huge costs to the state’s purse.
“Many countries around the world have dealt with urbanisation successfully while others are struggling to cope with its negative impacts.
“To avoid the negative effects of urbanization, politicians need to come up with good and effective policies.
“In some instance, when there is mass migration to the city, the migrants often find themselves in extreme poverty, poor housing, lack of jobs and little or no support.
“It is high time that leaders of the day should see and do something about this pressing issue.”
Another concern man Jonah Myles suggested that of people in the rural communities is one way of solving the problem.
He said providing training skills and resources for people to be self reliant can help engage people back in their communities.
“When people only work for their daily survival with no economic opportunities, they will look for those opportunities in urban centres.
By STEPHEN DI’ISANGO
