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“Revitalizing our Capital Towns”
is the theme chosen by Jamaica for this year’s celebration of World
Town Planning Day (WTPD). The day is celebrated worldwide on
November 8th in over 30 countries, and focuses primarily on the
integral relationship of planning in the sustainable development of
cities.
The National Environment and
Planning Agency (NEPA) will observe the day with a panel discussion,
and exhibition at Devon House on Friday, November 7, 2008. The
opening ceremony and panel discussion will take place between 10:00
a.m. and 12 noon, and the exhibition remains open until 4:00 p.m.
The panel discussion will focus on the challenges and successes of
the redevelopment programmes and strategies implemented for the
sustainable development of the island’s towns. Exhibitors include
the Urban Development Corporation, Kingston Restoration Company,
Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management, Department
of Local Government and the Planning Institute of Jamaica.
According to Ms. Janet Hyde,
Manager of the Planning Branch at the National Environment and
Planning Agency (NEPA), “The theme for the celebration of the day is
of particular significance to Jamaicans as many of our capital towns
are undergoing stress due to declining social amenities, reduced
employment opportunities, and poor living conditions. Hence, the
critical need for regeneration programmes to raise the standard of
living for these urban communities and provide a catalyst for future
sustainable development of these areas.”
World Town Planning Day, first
celebrated in 1949, was founded by the late Professor Carlos Maria
della Paolera at the University of Buenos Aires with the aim to
advance public and professional interest in planning locally and
internationally.
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