Al Richards, Contributor
IT IS generally agreed by all thinking Jamaicans that at some time the reconstruction of the city of Kingston must commence.
The questions that seem to have no answers are when, how and by whom. In the meantime the exodus of offices and commercial enterprises continue, including the relocation of some Government offices uptown, while the warlords move in to solidify their foothold and administer their on sense of justice and economic well being.
It is, therefore, no coincidence that the street vendors defy all attempts at relocating them because it is perceived that the inner city has been abandoned by the powers that be, and the rule of law and order are things of the past.
There is the notion also that the inner city abounds with bad and defiant men wreaking havoc and fear. But there are no persons 'badder' than the law or Government, if both decide that enough is enough.
The problems in the inner city lie in the political manipulation of the poor and uneducated whose only intent is survival at any cost. Its transformation must therefore seek to render the occupants economically and mentally independent of politics.
It is clearly the responsibility of the Government to initiate, control and maintain the rebuilding process because of the nature of the existing situation. The Government is the only body that has the power to acquire properties in the interest of the nation and should do so without fear or favour.
The only argument is the quantum of compensation. It is also the only body that can access 'cheap' international funds on a long-term basis.
In December 2000, this writer prepared a proposal for the commencement of the reconstruction process by developing a plan for the area bounded by North, East, East Queen Street and Rum Lane.
Research indicated that approximately 4,000 people work within 5-10 minutes walking distance from the area and included such offices as the Gleaner Company, Survey Department, Titles Office, Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Income Tax Department, Kingston Technical High School, Kingston College, St. George's College and numerous other smaller offices.
The zone is relatively clean, calm and largely unoccupied with residential holdings. It has some new buildings, a significant amount of empty lots, unused buildings and ruins.
The proposal calls for the establishment of 500 apartment units in three-storey walk up buildings. A nursery for 50 children from birth to three years, a preparatory school for 120 students, a small park and a shopping plaza with a supermarket on the block bounded by Hanover, Sutton, East Queen Streets and Rum Lane. The Kingston Technical High School completes what may be considered a total and satisfactory community. The shopping plaza could contain among other things medical offices, a pharmacy, fast food outlet and a host of other community needs.
The estimate to acquire the lots and construct all buildings is US$18-20 million or approximately J$1 billion. This is a very small amount in the building of a nation.
Unlike previous government sponsored projects in the urban area this development is a money making venture.
If the Government were to borrow the amount from an international lending agency the government itself would have earned approximately $200m from the reconstruction process.
All buildings and housing units would be sold and the occupants seek mortgages from other sources. If a net profit of say 15 per cent is made it means therefore that there will now be J$1.15 billion.
The process continues from North Street bounded by East Street and Rum Lane, down to the waterfront. After this area is completed, well lit and maintained, the redevelopment process then moves east, west and north concurrently. The initial loan is gaining a 15 per cent profit as the process continues.
Contributed by Al Richards, an architect. The next article will look at public perceptions of the city and the plan.
