NEPA Encourages Stakeholder Participation In Preparing New Portmore Development Order

August 12, 2016

As part of its continuing efforts to improve urban planning in Jamaica and to build resilient, safer and sustainable communities, the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) and the Portmore Municipality are encouraging the general public to participate in a series of surveys and consultations geared towards the preparation of the Portmore Development Order.

The surveys and consultations, which will involve residents, visitors and other stakeholder groups will see the use of Global Positioning System (GPS) and questionnaires to collect information on land usage and socio-economic and other factors in the Portmore environs.

The public is urged to provide feedback on the vision they have for the area, challenges and possible solutions with respect to issues including but not limited to solid waste management, environmental concerns, availability of services such as transportation, the location of businesses, houses, cemeteries, offices and garages.

Leonard Francis, Director of NEPA’s Spatial Planning Division said that the surveys and consultative process are essential for capturing the existing situation on the ground and to get the input of local stakeholders including the citizens of Portmore so as to help us to better plan.

Consultations have already been held with stakeholders from the Jamaica Fire Brigade and are slated to be held with the Portmore Community College before the end of the month. Feedback has also been obtained from residents by means of a random survey within the community.

"We need to get a true reflection of what’s happening on the ground and what the residents and other stakeholders see as the issues and solutions, which would assist in the formulation of zoning policies, plans and the identification of investment opportunities for the Portmore Development Order," said Mr. Francis.

Persons are invited to contact NEPA at 754-7540 or send written comments via email to pubed@nepa.gov.jm.

Captain Hopeton Delisser (second right), Vice President, Harbour and Port Services and Harbour Master of the Port Authority of Jamaica makes a point at a recent consultation session held with the executive team of the Port Authority of Jamaica on the Portmore Development Order. Meanwhile, Professor Gordon Shirley (at left), President and Chief Executive Officer of the Port Authority looks on.