Letter of the Day | Who is responsible for deteriorating towns?

THE EDITOR, Madam:

Whenever my family and I travel across Jamaica, we are always impressed by the beauty of our countryside, including the beaches, greenery, natural landscape, beautiful homes and fresh air.

But that admiration often disappears when we enter some of the town centres.

Too many of the towns are congested, disorganised and unattractive, with large numbers of old, neglected and sometimes dilapidated buildings. Some are still occupied by businesses and, in some cases, residents. Many of these buildings could be significantly improved with basic repairs, painting and proper maintenance.

This raises some important questions:

What responsibility do municipal corporations and their planning departments have for the orderly development and maintenance of our towns? Where are the master plans for these areas, and are they being properly enforced?

Why can’t municipal corporations, within the law, require owners of neglected or unsafe buildings to repair, maintain or demolish them where necessary? Where abandoned or unsafe buildings are removed, could the properties not be put to productive use, such as parking, public spaces or other community facilities?

The corporations should also consider stronger enforcement measures against owners who allow their properties to deteriorate. Where legally permitted, the cost of necessary remedial work could be recovered from the owners. At the same time, incentives could be considered for property owners who properly maintain and improve their buildings.

Imagine the difference it would make if our town centres were clean, orderly, attractive and properly maintained. It would improve the appearance of our communities, encourage investment and tourism and, most importantly, restore a sense of civic pride.

We cannot continue to accept the deterioration of the town centres as being normal.

AUBYN PERKINS

Mandeville, Manchester