Kingston's population growth problems
By Marjorie Henry, Contributor

Colour me seaweed green. Rocky Point Fishing Beach in Clarendon. - Ian Allen/Staff Photographer

There are problems and benefits associated with the population growth of Kingston. In today's lesson, I would like to focus on the problems. I do trust that you reflected on the questions I asked you in the previous lesson, and you are therefore well aware of some of these problems.

The available data inform us that high densities of population have developed particularly in west and east Kingston. At the same time, opportunities for employment have failed to keep pace with needs. The Government has made attempts to attract industry; however, factory employment has failed to create sufficient jobs in Kingston.

In recent times, the closing down of some factories in the garment industry has worsened the problem of unemployment. In addition, it is felt that the private sector and foreign investors are not investing enough in the economy to help to increase the level of employment. The Government expects the private sector to be in partnership with them to help to develop employment benefits.

High unemployment has led to the development of other alternatives in order to survive. These include illegal activities and the growth of the informal sector. There are more and more higglers and hawkers referred to officially as informal commercial importers (ICI).

Along with unemployment is the problem of overcrowding. Both are indices of population pressure. Conditions of overcrowding, evident in the lower-class areas of Kingston, have led to squatting, hence the development of ghettos and slums.

Poor condition

Houses in these areas are generally made out of inferior materials and are in poor condition. Where roads exist in these ghettos, they are in poor condition. Insanitary conditions exist and the residents are exposed to the threat of diseases. There is also an absence of good schools in these squatter settlements.

Social decay is closely linked to the poor living conditions and unemployment. Unemployment has caused young people in particular to be idle. They, in turn, form gangs and eventually become engaged in gang warfare. Drugs and guns have become a part of these gangs as well. I am certain that you have heard and maybe observed all of this. The consequences, as you know, are devastating.

Congestion

Traffic congestion is another problem of urbanisation. Factories, offices and other services are located in or near the city. The population needs to access these, and therefore a transportation service is needed. The available public transportation cannot adequately meet the needs of the commuting public. This situation has, in part, contributed to the increase of privately owned vehicles. This compounds the problem of traffic congestion particularly during the peak hours. There are also illegal taxis, commonly called 'robots' that assist with transportation, but at the same time add to the traffic congestion.

Urbanisation of Kingston has led to different forms of pollution, namely, noise, air, land and water. Large amounts of domestic and industrial waste are generated in the congested city. There has to be the proper management of the disposal of waste.

In the city of Kingston, the National Solid Waste Management Authority does this. The waste is usually collected and taken to landfills, which are becoming filled up and have been known to burn spontaneously for days owing to the build-up of methane and other gases. The underground water in aquifers under the dump sites also become polluted through seepage of liquids into the lower layers of the soil.

The emission of gases from the numerous vehicles moving on the roadways and the operation of some factories are responsible for both noise and air pollution. These emissions sometimes create a haze over the city, and this in turn causes an increase in temperatures as well as a mild form of acid rain.

In spite of all these problems and others not mentioned, there are some benefits to be derived from urbanisation. Think on some for the next lesson.

Here is a thought on managing your tasks: Divide lengthy or difficult assignments into short, manageable units.

Marjorie Henry is a vice-principal at Glenmuir High School and is head of the Geography Department. She teaches the subject at the CSEC Level.