Much of the incapacity problems experienced by the local governments in Jamaica is a by product of increasing urbanisation without the complement of improved urban economy. Consequently, settlements built in high risk areas are widespread, to the extent that both the central and the local governments are incapable of providing appropriate and effective solutions to the vulnerability problems. Ironically, the local governments operate with minimal financial capital and ill equipped and minimal resource expertise. But they are responsible for much of the processes of building approvals, sites and building inspection in addition to the costly constant tasks of cleaning drains, building and maintenance of parochial roads in the country. Spatially, Jamaica is a small country. Thus localized hazards can affect other areas of the island in a relatively short time span. Therefore, the vulnerability problems of one area are related to a broader spatial context of human activities on the natural environment. It is for this reason that the local governments ought to be equipped with the appropriate resources to deal with the area level problems. This paper argues that community vulnerability to hazards is partly the result of the incapacity of the local governments to deal with the highly skilled and increasingly demanding tasks of physical development. On the other hand, the central government bears the responsibility of such a systemic problem for not having a sustainable human settlements policy.

The University of the West Indies
Mona, Jamaica
Tel: (876) | Fax: (876)
Email: