Robust Legislative Framework Needed to Support Urban Planning – Dr. Chang
By: , November 10, 2024
Photo: Okoye Henry
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang, addresses the World Town Planning Day (WTPD) forum held at the Montego Bay Convention Center in Rose Hall, St. James, on November 8.
Photo: Okoye Henry
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang (centre), interacts with Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister (West), Hon. Homer Davis (left), and Deputy Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Dwight Crawford, during the World Town Planning Day (WTPD) forum held at the Montego Bay Convention Center in Rose Hall, St. James, on November 8.The Full Story
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang is calling for a more robust legislative framework to support urban planning in Jamaica.
Dr. Chang noted that a comprehensive legal framework to foster sustainable prosperous communities is crucial, in addressing potential challenges posed by unregulated development.
“We have to look at what legislation fits Jamaica situation today. It needs some thinking through, it needs some discussion with the planners, with the security forces, with all the stakeholders in society, commerce, and the individuals,” he stated.
The Minister was speaking at the World Town Planning Day (WTPD) forum held at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in Rose Hall, St. James, on November 8.
It was held under the theme ‘Unpacking the Urban Planning Nexus with Tourism and Sustainable Development’.
Dr. Chang said that a modern, effective framework could assist with curbing unregulated developments, especially in areas where there is rapid urban and tourism expansion.
He cited the ongoing construction of the Montego Bay Perimeter Road, warning that without proper planning, vacant lands along the route could face squatting issues within five years.
The Minister stressed that planners and policymakers must be proactive in acquiring and zoning these lands, to prevent informal housing developments in the future.
“I urge the Jamaican planners to look at our environment, all the features from our physical layout, our people’s culture, the opportunities for development, and how do we combine that to maintain a formal Jamaican environment while still creating the opportunities for employment, tourism, along with other professional services,” Dr. Chang said.
“We have the talent, we have the location, we have the environment. So, we have to look at the long-term planning [for our country],” he added.
Dr. Chang also pointed out the importance of collaboration between the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA), Municipal Corporations, and other town planning authorities to ensure cohesive, accountable urban planning.
In the meantime, NEPA’s Chief Executive Officer and Government Town Planner, Leonard Francis, highlighted the entity’s modernization efforts, including the implementation of paperless systems, artificial intelligence, GIS technology, and drone monitoring for better planning and enforcement.
“Part of this process involves citizen groups, other stakeholders and multidisciplinary teams to assist us in monitoring and enforcement,” Mr. Francis said.
NEPA is also taking steps to ensure future leadership in the environmental and planning sectors by developing a programme to nurture youngsters.
As part of the event, NEPA launched a digital poster competition to engage students and the public in understanding the role of urban planning in sustainable community development.