Statesman Journal

September 13, 1997

Urbanization is of great concern to the African delegation at the International Youth Environmental Summit.

South Africa and other parts of Africa face staggering problems with overcrowding, unemployment, homelessness, congestion and pollution.  Squatter camps cover large areas outside cities, housing those who have flocked from rural areas.  Former farmers find themselves landless, underprivileged and unable to cope with city/squatter life.  This has led to growing rates of drug addiction, depression and disease.

For example:

* In Central Africa, one in five people suffers from tuberculosis.

* Poor sanitation and a lack of facilities have led to rampant diarrhea.

* Natural vegetation is nonexistent in some places.

A group of 20 students from Alexander Sinton High School in West Cape, South Africa, who researched this topic for the youth summit, also compiled a list of 18 solutions to these growing problems.

They call for better public transportation, urban growth planning, government control of sanitation, air and water quality.

"Citizens have a right to an environment that is not harmful to their health or well-being," the students wrote.