The programme will be co-administered by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT) and the European Commission.

This was announced by Minister of State in the Ministry of Water and Housing, Everald Warmington, at the launch of the UN programme in Jamaica at the ministry's New Kingston offices on May 5.

Rapid profiling

The minister said Phase One of the programme will consist of rapid profiling of urban conditions in Montego Bay, St James; May Pen, Clarendon; and Old Harbour, St Catherine.

Profiling will focus on four themes: governance, slums, gender and HIV/AIDS, and the environment.

"Of high priority to us at this time also is the identification of funds to facilitate the speedy completion of a national policy on squatting. We, however, recognise the limitations posed by our resource constraints and wholeheartedly welcome the support of UN-Habitat in all areas feasible," said Warmington, who recently assumed the two-year presidency of UN-HABITAT's Governing Council.

Jamaica's squatters

While arguing that some of Jamaica's mushrooming squatter settlements were not slums, Warmington said the prevailing conditions - including dilapidated housing - unified the circumstances of uncertified dwellers.

"All are in dire need of urgent and suitable intervention. So even though all the areas selected are geographically distinct and physically unique, they all share common problems and all stand to benefit significantly from this type of intervention," the state minister said.

The PSUP, Warmington said, is to undertake a rapid overview of the critical urban issues and priorities for urban policy, programmes and project development.

He said that the PSUP is one step closer to achieving the vision of UN-HABITAT across regions.

UN-HABITAT is charged with making provisions for human settlements, and is mandated by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities with the goal of providing adequate shelter for all.