The sharp growth in the number of people living in squatter settlements in Fiji is alarming and troublesome.

Social Welfare Minister Dr Jiko Luveni made the comments at the World Population Day Celebrations yesterday, adding it is estimated that close to 15% of our population live in over 200 squatter settlements around the country.

Dr Luveni said the greater Suva area has the largest number of squatters and it is estimated that by 2010, the Suva/Nausori corridor will have 15,000 squatter households with 100,000 people.

She added this is an indication of people that will be in our poverty statistics in the near future, and that based on current trends, people will continue to seek social welfare assistance.

Dr Luveni said they do not want Fiji to become a social welfare society and people must work for their survival, and young people must explore other options for employment and not be dependent on government alone.