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Urban Development, Status of Major Projects
OBJECTIVE
The government has directed the Urban Development Corporation (UDC) to return to its core function in full recognition of the fact that while the UDC has been undertaking commendable work over the years, it has not accomplished its primary function which is to prepare and implement development plans within designated areas. To accomplish this, the Corporation has the responsibility to develop primary and secondary infrastructure in the designated areas. The UDC has not undertaken any large scale development project within a designated area for over twenty (20) years, however this will change going forward in keeping with the new direction of the organization. Significant work has already commenced on the redevelopment of Downtown Kingston and the UDC will also work on the following developments in the coming financial year:
- The development of the Caymanas Estate, St. Catherine
- New developments in the resort town of Ocho Rios, St. Ann, and
- New developments in Jamaica's second city of Montego Bay, St. James
The Corporation's Corporate Strategic Objectives for the period 2009/2010 to 2011/2012, indicates the new direction of the UDC. The main objectives are to:
1. Return the UDC to its core functions as defined by the UDC Act within three (3) years. In this regard the UDC will:
a. Identify non-core assets and prepare some for divestment
b. Prepare and implement development plans consistent with the mission of the UDC
2. Improve the financial sustainability of the UDC by ensuring that its cash flow is able to support its projects and operating expenditure
3. Redesign the organizational structure and staffing to ensure alignment with the mission and objectives of the UDC including providing excellent customer service.
Specific activities that have commenced to support this transformative process are:
1. A Management Audit by Price Waterhouse Coopers that will be completed in May 2009
2. An ongoing restructuring programme; and
3. Proposed amendments to the UDC Act to deal with:
a. The nature and objectives of creating UDC ‘designated areas'
b. Additional powers of the UDC within ‘designated areas' inclusive of the power to connect the master plan prepared for the ‘designated' area to a programme of incentives.
Given the complexity of the organization, the ongoing Management Audit and restructuring programme, the challenges currently being experienced and the need for ongoing critical interface both internally and externally, there is a heightened awareness by the management team that the transition process must be accorded the utmost care to ensure its success.
