Do the cities belong to the people or do the people belong to the cities? In a global world where borders are becoming less significant and migration is increasing, it is hard to know which is true. What is beyond doubt is that a significant percentage of the planet’s population live in cities. Some are small, some larger while a few aspire to the description of metropolis. What attracts city
dwellers like us to live where we do is initmately linked to our surroundings.

Cities have a tendency to grow and the City of Panama is no exception, particularly if we consider the real estate boom that we are experiencing at the moment. For many people the metamorphasis that has taken place in just the past five years is almost impossible to comprehend, while its impact on our daily lives will be huge. Against this background it is vital that the appropriate authorities and real estate developers assume resonsibility for the impact that these new developments will have on future residents and other city dwellers. This also has to include planning for future disasters such as fires or earthquakes, traffic planning, the provision of undervalued but essential green areas, pedestrian walkways, access roads, and water and electricity distribution. Sewerage and waste water treatment plants have to be planned to satisfy the city’s green conscience so that in the near future, we will be able to enjoy a city that allows us to continue enjoying her, before she devours us.

Urban planning and management according to a Master Plan are fundamental necessities. This is our plea, on behalf of many, on behalf of the silent majority.