A Movement to De-Politicise Urban Planning
“Cities have the
capability of providing something for everyone, only because, and only when
they are created by everybody.”- Jane Jacobs
Urban planning is personal for many citizens regarding of where they live. In most progressive societies the role of the urban planner is highly respected. In other societies urban planning is both politicized and weaponized. In some jurisdictions unplanned settlements are facilitated with the blessing of the State in order to secure votes. The concept of urban planning has been used by governments to keep the citizenry in control and dependent on the State. We are very much aware that affordable housing has become an elusive dream for many. As a result many residents resort to squatting on government owned lands. It is important that we pause to acknowledge World Urban Planning Day which is celebrated on November 8. Unfortunately, this day is only commemorated in about 30 countries worldwide. Undoubtedly, this speaks to the scant regard that some governments give to urban planning. The day is set aside to promote the role of planning in creating livable communities. There are many variations of what is urban planning. Urban planning is that branch of architecture which targets the design of urban spaces in harmony with the environment to create safe, inclusive, resilient livable spaces. Sadly, in too many instances no accommodation is made for green spaces and the end result is a concrete jungle. Urban planning is closely linked to local government. In Jamaica local government has been undergoing a process of reform. This reform has been over successive governments. Many Jamaicans have little faith in local government since we hardly see the benefits. As the population increases inevitably there will be challenges. There are many common urban challenges; among these are noise pollution due to rapid commercialization of residential areas, the collection and disposal of garbage and shortage of affordable housing and an increase in crime and violence. We have a situation where many once prime residential areas have been allowed to be overrun by commercial interests. As a result the residents live in hell. The hell on Earth for some begins very early in the day with lewd and vulgar lyrics penetrating the walls and doors of homes disturbing the peace and sanctity of the home. The music ends in the wee hours of morning. It is commonplace to have one’s drive way blocked by the patrons of the business entities. It is as if one has become a hostage in one’s own home. It is clear that urban planning is not working in some countries. The lawlessness in the society which oftentimes goes unpunished is frightening to those of us who are law-abiding citizens. Who is there to complain to? There is no one to complain to as the entity which is in charge the Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) hardly does its job. In the instances in which the #KSAMC acts it appears to work on behalf of uptown people.
The Way Forward
As a society we need a National Urban Policy to react to the rapid increase of urbanization. According to the United Nations by 2030 5 billion people will live in cities. We are only eleven years away and time is fast running out to get our house in order. We need to strengthen the KSAMC in order for this entity to act with urgency regarding breaches zoning. The State needs to send a send a strong signal that night noise whether it’s uptown, midtown or downtown will not be tolerated in areas which were not designed to accommodate this. We run the risk of having a “cha cha” society in which anything goes. If we are not careful the rights of the law-abiding citizenry will continue to be suspended because of the failure of government to act decisively. We need to foster a communal spirit in which the rights of everyone is respected, not just the rights of those who are connected politically. Will we ever reach to that point where the political will to de-politicize urban planning is found? The society cannot speak about sustainable development and avoid addressing the challenges of urbanization. We all would like to see a better Jamaica, a Jamaica which is the choice to live, work, raise families and do business.
#WTPD2019 #Jamaica #urbanization #SDG11 #Kingston #urbanplanning
@WayneCamo
Urban planning is personal for many citizens regarding of where they live. In most progressive societies the role of the urban planner is highly respected. In other societies urban planning is both politicized and weaponized. In some jurisdictions unplanned settlements are facilitated with the blessing of the State in order to secure votes. The concept of urban planning has been used by governments to keep the citizenry in control and dependent on the State. We are very much aware that affordable housing has become an elusive dream for many. As a result many residents resort to squatting on government owned lands. It is important that we pause to acknowledge World Urban Planning Day which is celebrated on November 8. Unfortunately, this day is only commemorated in about 30 countries worldwide. Undoubtedly, this speaks to the scant regard that some governments give to urban planning. The day is set aside to promote the role of planning in creating livable communities. There are many variations of what is urban planning. Urban planning is that branch of architecture which targets the design of urban spaces in harmony with the environment to create safe, inclusive, resilient livable spaces. Sadly, in too many instances no accommodation is made for green spaces and the end result is a concrete jungle. Urban planning is closely linked to local government. In Jamaica local government has been undergoing a process of reform. This reform has been over successive governments. Many Jamaicans have little faith in local government since we hardly see the benefits. As the population increases inevitably there will be challenges. There are many common urban challenges; among these are noise pollution due to rapid commercialization of residential areas, the collection and disposal of garbage and shortage of affordable housing and an increase in crime and violence. We have a situation where many once prime residential areas have been allowed to be overrun by commercial interests. As a result the residents live in hell. The hell on Earth for some begins very early in the day with lewd and vulgar lyrics penetrating the walls and doors of homes disturbing the peace and sanctity of the home. The music ends in the wee hours of morning. It is commonplace to have one’s drive way blocked by the patrons of the business entities. It is as if one has become a hostage in one’s own home. It is clear that urban planning is not working in some countries. The lawlessness in the society which oftentimes goes unpunished is frightening to those of us who are law-abiding citizens. Who is there to complain to? There is no one to complain to as the entity which is in charge the Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) hardly does its job. In the instances in which the #KSAMC acts it appears to work on behalf of uptown people.
The Way Forward
As a society we need a National Urban Policy to react to the rapid increase of urbanization. According to the United Nations by 2030 5 billion people will live in cities. We are only eleven years away and time is fast running out to get our house in order. We need to strengthen the KSAMC in order for this entity to act with urgency regarding breaches zoning. The State needs to send a send a strong signal that night noise whether it’s uptown, midtown or downtown will not be tolerated in areas which were not designed to accommodate this. We run the risk of having a “cha cha” society in which anything goes. If we are not careful the rights of the law-abiding citizenry will continue to be suspended because of the failure of government to act decisively. We need to foster a communal spirit in which the rights of everyone is respected, not just the rights of those who are connected politically. Will we ever reach to that point where the political will to de-politicize urban planning is found? The society cannot speak about sustainable development and avoid addressing the challenges of urbanization. We all would like to see a better Jamaica, a Jamaica which is the choice to live, work, raise families and do business.
#WTPD2019 #Jamaica #urbanization #SDG11 #Kingston #urbanplanning
Wayne Campbell is an educator and social
commentator with an interest in development policies as they affect culture and
or gender issues.
waykam@yahoo.com@WayneCamo
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