Dear Editor,

The move by the Andrew Holness-led political regime to declare that it is going to build a new city within the precincts of Portmore would be a brilliant idea if there were adequate facilities and infrastructure in place to accommodate this massive development.

There are already large communities, like Greater Portmore and Hellshire, in Portmore that have been experiencing chronic water shortages over protracted periods. This same water system would need to supply the people in this new city.

Our town planning committee has to come on board to review the state of affairs.

New schools and other infrastructure like hospitals have to be built.

We all appreciate growth and development of every sort, but we must make the commitment to fully understand the impact of our ambitions.

We will have to think out of the box to ensure that this projected community does not become a blotch on Portmore.

What’s more, we need to make Portmore more self-sufficient and safeguard against possible disasters.

We also need to leave a portion of arable land for agriculture.

All these elements must be considered before a new town is pursued.

Paris Taylor

Greater Portmore, St Catherine

paristaylor82@hotmail.com