Proper urban planning is critical
Published:Monday | December 18, 2023 | 12:06 AM
THE EDITOR, Madam:
The issue of urban planning continues to leave a sour taste, and congestion within the towns and cities across the island is concerning. The increase in the volume of motor vehicles in urban spaces are more than there are areas for them to park. Shops, stores and high-rise residential buildings are popping up like planted pea seeds. Students from rural areas who attend university in the city fall in love with the city lights, and decide not to go back home.
Urban planning focuses on the development, design and the use of land and infrastructure within town and cities. It looks mainly at issues such as transportation, population, property development, public facilities, waste management and communication. Urban planning draws from the experts in the field of engineering, architecture social science, politics, among other disciplines. We are suffering in this area of urban planning and execution, and it is the responsibility of our leaders to ensure that there is an active plan that is monitored and updated for all the towns and cities across the island.
POOR URBAN PLANNING
We regularly see taxis and buses crammed in most towns, ‘kotching’ here and there, scavenging for passengers. When they are asked about their bus/taxi park, they either tell you it is full, in dire need of repair, or there is none. It is a regular occurrence to be ‘hopscotching’ over sewage that is slowly cruising along the kerb walls of the sidewalks in the towns. Kingston is becoming very festive, with New York-looking skyscrapers popping up on every corner. Every week the vending population increases, filling up all the available spaces on the sidewalks. Fast-food restaurants, call centres, banks and other business are not to be left behind, as they equally increase their presence within the metropolitan area.
While the increase in businesses and business prospects are good, the lack of or poor urban planning is counterproductive. More people in a small space will require adequate parking, road maintenance, well-constructed drains, proper sewage, strategic placement of residential, commercial and entertainment facilities, among other essential things.
It should not be that the slightest rain or a motorist with a fender bender causes a gridlock. It should not be that passengers have to wait on public transportation for over three hours. It should not be that pedestrians are forced to walk in the roads because vendors take over the sidewalks.
It is important to have proper vision. We need the mayors to oversee the different municipal corporations across the island and employ the best practices suited for Jamaica.
HEZEKAN BOLTON