Urban Planning and Managment of Ramallah/ Al-Bireh Metropolitan Area

Urban Planning and Managment of Ramallah/ Al-Bireh Metropolitan Area

Zajel / An-Najah National University

Fadwa Abdelaziz Azem The administrative structure and management system of the proposed metropolitan area of Ramallah/AI-Bireh has been analyzed in this thesis using the available data and information. The major aim of this study is to understand the idea of metropolitan planning, and determine the relationship and spatial interaction between the twin cities of Ramallah/al-Bireh and the surrounded municipalities (Beituniya and Bir Zeit) as well as the village councils (Sorda and abu Qash). While trying to achieve this aim, certain contemporary theories and models explaining the phenomena of metropolitan growth and planning. Metropolitan governments are also discussed and the appropriate models are being adopted when.necessary in this study. According to our analysis and discussion throughout the study, this new administrative structure will help in dealing with the several existing problems that the localities in the area are facing. Consequently, conflicts in interests will disappear when preparing plans for the whole metropolitan area. These plans will have the public good on top of their priorities. In addition, large-scale projects will have the chance to take place at the metropolitan scale. These projects will be shared between the local authorities and also the private sector will participate. This as a result will enhance the public-private relationship. Finally, from an economic point of view, this metropolitan planning will make the quantity and quality of services better "economies of scale", as the cost of the unit of these services will be         reduced since the number of users is higher. Fadwa Abdelaziz Azem Supervisor Dr. Ali Abdelhamid August 2000