THE INCREASING rate of urbanisation has continued to threaten the most needed services as well as resources in the country.
According to United Nation Habitat 2015-2016 report, the country’s urbanisation growth rate is currently at 4.7 percent.
The future forecast at this rate, urban inhabitants will double in less than 17 years if the growth rate remains.
The report stated that urban growth rates are primarily driven by informal settlements, adding, it is evident in the prolific growth of informal settlements, peri-urban villages and the informal sector especially in Honiara.
The report highlighted that informal settlements are growing at around 6 percent per annum, representing about 35 percent of the city’s population.
In 2011, the urban growth rate was at 4.4 percent, this was highlighted in Professor David Craig’s research findings.
In his research, Professor Craig found that if the Solomon Islands urbanisation reaches 50 percent by 2050, at least half-a-million people will be residing in Honiara.
His report stated that whilst the economic growth centres proposed by the government will help in alleviating the rate of urbanisation it takes more than the growth centres to influence the rate of urbanisation.
In his recommendation, Professor Craig emphasised that politicians need to come up with good and effective policies to avoid the negative effects of urbanisation.
Professor Craig, who has long term interests in cities, migration and opportunities in the Pacific, says many countries around the world have dealt with urbanisation successfully while others are struggling to cope with its negative impacts.
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