urbanization in jamaica: a presentation to the government
TRANSCRIPT
URBANIZATION IN JAMAICA:A Presentation to the Government
Compiled and Presented by:
Dexter R. Williams
Urbanization is defined by the United Nations as movement of people from rural to urban areas with population growth equating to urban migration. (www.wikipedia.org )
Urbanization
Availability of White Collar JobsProper Infrastructure – roads, water,
electricity, etc.Availability of social facilities – health,
education, recreation, postal services and police stations
A wide Variety of Entertainment and Nightlife facilities. (Modules in Social Studies 4th Ed., Rampersad Ramsawak & Ralf Umraw, 2005, Printed in Trinidad)
Pull Factors Towards Urban Areas
Scarcity of jobs except in agriculture which most people consider to be low paying, laborious, risky and menial.
Lack of (or poor) infrastructurePoor social facilities – education, health
and security.Lack of Entertainment and Recreational
Facilities.
Push Factors from Rural Areas
Urbanization?What's the Big Deal?
An examination of the Caribbean region will reveal that there are high densities of population in the cities and their suburbs such as Port of Spain in Trinidad, Bridgetown in Barbados, Kingstown in St. Vincent, Castries in St. Lucia and New Kingston in Jamaica. (Modules in Social Studies 4th Ed.,
Rampersad Ramsawak & Ralf Umraw, 2005, Printed in Trinidad)
In The Caribbean
1970
2005
2030
(pro
jected
)0
1020304050607080
Urban PopulationRural Population
Percentageof the Total PopulationIn Jamaica
Urban Growth Due to Urbanization
By UN Human Settlement Programme
19211943196019701982199120010
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
Kingston, St. Andrew, (since 1970)Portmore
Perc
enta
ge o
f the
Tot
al
Popu
lati
on
Population Growth in Kingston and Surroundings Due to Urbanization
Data obtained from the Caribbean Environment, Mark Wilson Page 116
Shortage of housing facilities and development of slums.
Rising unemployment levels leading to poverty.Rising pollution levels – Land, Air, Water.Natural environment cleared for housing
development.Pressure on social facilities due to overcrowding.Rise in crime rate, and deviant and criminal
behavioursTraffic congestionIncrease in pests and diseases due to unsanitary
conditions
Problems of Urbanization–Urban Areas
Squatter settlements in Kingston, Jamaica
Civil conflict in Kingston
Skilled labourers leaving the area – teachers, doctors, engineers.
Government and private sector pays less attention to the development of rural areas – infrastructure, health, education, businesses and industries.
Rural areas remain undeveloped.
Problems of Urbanization – Rural Areas
FIX UP THE SLUMSRestructure the slums & ghettoes into
organized, low income housing schemes. Linear settlement; frequent garbage collection and frequent street and drain cleaning
Build high rise buildings, which accommodates more residents using less land space.
Attract new industries to these suburbs by marketing them as ‘brown field sites’.
Solving Urban Problems
ENGAGE THE COMMUNITIESOn going social work: sensitizing about
environmentally friendly practices, family life, education, work ethics, etc.
Increase community policing.Skills and Entrepreneurship training.
Solving Urban Problems, Cont.
FIX UP THE TOWNEnlarge schools, hospitals, post offices,
police stations.Build high rise car park buildings to
accommodate plenty vehicles, while using less land space.
The improvement of public transportation – decreasing the high volumes of traffic on the roads.
Solving Urban Problems, Cont.
Solving Rural to Urban Migration by:[An integrated approach must be taken in encouraging persons to reside in rural Jamaica.]
Solving Rural ProblemsEducating the citizens about the issue of
urbanization and the benefits of living in the rural area.
Improvement of rural infrastructure – roads, water supply, telecommunications, electricity, internet.
Providing new and improving the social facilities in rural areas – health, entertainment .
Assisting farmers to improve production by providing loans, fertilizers, seeds etc.
Promote rural areas as ‘green field sites’ thus attracting industries, recreation and town development.
Solving Rural Problems
Educate rural residents that there are many similar problems in the urban areas just the same.For example:
Sensitization Campaign
Urban-Rural Differences in St. LuciaUrban Rural
Unemployment 19% 19%Has been crime victim
8% 4%
Percentage of population in each area, 2004Data obtained from the Caribbean Environment, Mark Wilson Page 114
Advantages of rural life:More peacefulLess risk of crime and disorderMore spacious living conditionsRental and living costs lowerFamiliar surroundings, with family and old
friendsLess pollutionEven without a job, food and shelter are available
( the Caribbean Environment, Mark Wilson Page 115)
Sensitization Campaign, cont.
Any Questions?
THANK YOU
THE END