RAPID urbanisation is leading to increased demand for housing and other services, especially in the greater Suva area.
This was one of the observations made by the visiting United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur on Human Rights and the Environment David Boyd to the country.
Mr Boyd said at present, there was a need for a comprehensive, co-ordinated and strategic regional and urban development process.
“Of particular concern from the perspective of environmental risks and human rights are urban sprawl, inadequate sewage collection and treatment infrastructure and poor solid waste management,” Mr Boyd said.
“Urban sprawl threatens native ecosystems that some people depend on for food, water and livelihoods.”
