Letter of the Day | Choose solutions not problems in urban planning

THE EDITOR, Madam:

I write specifically with respect to Wellington Drive, Kingston 6. Albeit that my comments are applicable to many areas across Kingston and the wider Jamaica. A traverse along this estimated 1km of two-lane roadway would make one see several established multi-family complexes, new multi-family complexes being built, and plans for new developments.

I am certainly the first one to say that new developments and opportunities for upgraded housing is a good and necessary thing to do. What eludes me, however, is how is it possible that this seemingly small right of way will be able to absorb the densification that will come with the conversion of single-family homes to multi-family multi-storey buildings.

In my own estimation, there is no reserve for the widening of the right of way, as many of the approved car parks are literally feet away from the kerb. Further to that, it is well known that additional lanes is only a short-term solution to manage increases in traffic volumes.

I further point out that this piece of roadway is a critical conduit for persons to access the The University of the West Indies campus and other essential schools within the greater Mona area. Traffic backed up on this corridor will have a resultant effect on Old Hope Road, and so on. This we have already seen happening.

Much of what is happening is quite visible and obvious to any road user in this area, especially at peak traffic times. As a civil engineer myself who has specific training in traffic engineering and public works, it appears to me as a nightmare waiting to happen.

I am at pains to understand, and I am calling on the relevant authorities to provide a rational explanation as to how we can continue to approve these developments without a basis or plan, articulated in the public space, as to how the complementary and necessary infrastructure will be put in place. Please note, I have not even spoken about water or sewage.

Finally, as I have said in the beginning, this is one small but important indicative roadway of several that are happening across the Corporate Area and the country. I am asking of the new Jamaica we seek in our Vision 2030 ideal, please, let us choose solutions and not create problems.

OMAR SWEENY

Professional Engineer