Why are so many buildings in downtown Kingston allowed to deteriorate? And why do people continue living in dangerous conditions despite decades of redevelopment plans?
Architects and urban planners explore several factors contributing to the problem, including overcrowding, limited housing rejuvenation, squatting, poor enforcement, crime, and inadequate planning.
The documentary also looks at the history of Kingston’s buildings, including structures built after the 1907 earthquake, and examines whether some of these historic buildings can actually be restored rather than demolished.
The question of ownership and squatting is also explored, including the complicated circumstances surrounding properties passed through generations and buildings where residents no longer know who the legal owner is.
Meanwhile, residents speak about their attempts to get help, while officials discuss the challenges faced by local authorities in identifying and dealing with dangerous buildings.
The documentary also examines plans to redevelop downtown Kingston and asks an important question: Can the city be transformed without leaving the people who live there behind?
As one expert puts it, “the people must come first.”
The programme also takes viewers to Spring and Bournemouth Gardens in East Kingston, an example of a community that was deliberately planned and maintained, offering a contrast to areas of downtown Kingston that have been left to deteriorate.
The interviews featured in this documentary were conducted before COVID-19. Originally aired in 2021.
#LivingInShacks #DowntownKingston #KelishaWilliams #TVJ #Kingston #Jamaica #JamaicaDocumentary #DowntownKingston #UrbanPlanning #JamaicaNews
Jamaica News Today – Television Jamaica (TVJ) a Trusted Source for News, Sports & Entertainment.
For Jamaican news, sports and weather reports with a mix of reggae music (dancehall, ska, mento), Jamaican entertainment and information shows for the entire family.
SHARE AND SUBSCRIBE – https://bit.ly/2wemqUQ
For more TVJ videos visit – https://www.televisionjamaica.com
For access to LIVE TV go to https://www.1spotmedia.com/#!/live-stream/79336998495
#tvjnews #jamaicanewstoday
