Enact national town planning strategy before third city

Dear Editor,

I write in response to the directive issued by Prime Minister Andrew Holness to the Urban Development Corporation to create a third city.

In this regard it is critical that a national spatial strategy is completed before consideration is given to building a new city. Jamaica urgently needs to adopt an integrated approach to the planning and management of urban spatial development across the country if sustainable urban development is to be achieved. Current planning approaches with emphasis on the development industry have failed to address important planning issues which would be integral components of a national spatial strategy. These include, but are not limited to, the following: sustainable management of land and natural resources; directing of urban growth to ensure equitable, efficient and sustainable use of land and natural resources and prevent urban sprawl; strengthened role of small and intermediate cities and towns; planning strategies that support affordable and sustainable housing; and environmentally sustainable and resilient cities and human settlements.

Pauline McHardy

pmchardy@cwjamaica.com