The Limits of Planning Administration in Proceeding with Reconstruction Projects

Abstract

In the Tohoku disaster area, seawall construction and a ground raising project based on a land readjustment scheme is proceeding at a rapid pace. However, in the Sanriku coastal areas, as the sea was an integral part of people's lives and livelihoods, many feel strong resentment against the plans for the giant seawall, and the gap between the wishes of residents and the government's plan is growing. The reconstruction projects currently underway, if continued as is, will generate a vast embankment. Yet there is concern about the lack of people interested in returning to those areas. Here we point out that the cause of this kind of gap and these concerns comes from the old system of government planning and financing for public projects. In order to really revive the destroyed cities, local governments should start by listening to the inhabitants; understand the opinions of those wishing to resume their lives and jobs where they lived before the disaster. Local governments should make future visions of cities along with the residents; the seawall plan should be part of those visions.