From TCNEWS
The Physical Planning unit of the Town Planning Department, Abia State Ministry of Lands and Housing, Tuesday brought together experienced Town Planners from within and outside the State to brainstorm on how to chart a sustainable guide to the development of the state.
Speaking during the roundtable discussion held at the Ministry’s conference hall, Mr. Chaka Chukwumerije, the Commissioner for Lands and Housing, who pointed out that physical planning affects every aspect of government business, charged Town Planners in the State to step up their operations by ensuring professionalism in the discharge of their duties.
Mr Chukwumerije, noted that no meaningful projects could be achieved without a proper and harmonized physical planning.
He disclosed that the present administration in the state led by Governor Alex Otti is in a hurry to develop all sector of the State economy and enjoined the town Planners in the State to align themselves with the vision of the Governor for the development of the State.
The Commissioner who further described physical planning as essential to the development of every society, explained that the essence of the seminar which involved Retired Senior Town Planning Personnel from the Ministry and Consultants was designed to brainstorm on the way forward and ensure planning takes it’s lead in terms of Social and Infrastructural development of the State.
His words, “The present administration in Abia State has the political will and has been leading by example. What has been holding our back is having a plan. We don’t want a decrementalism. We want nothing but the best. We desire the best in Abia”.
Speaking also the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Lands and Housing Mr Ukeje Ukpabi reminded the town Planners in the state that the Governor Dr Alex Otti holds them on a high esteem and enjoined them to show professionalism in the discharge of their duties.
Addressing the participants via zoom transmission, the National President , Nigeria Institute of Town Planners, Mr Nathaniel Atibije, maintained that a proper development control cannot be done without a plan properly prepared by qualified planners.
He therefore called on Government at all levels to give an accelerated attention and Legal backing to master planning, regional planning development, development control and regular Lands usage development permits to ensure seamless operation.
In his speech, a former National President, Nigeria Institute of Town Planners TPL Lekwa Ezuta, who harped on the essence of having a conducive environment for living, asserted that physical planning is all about order and order is the first law of nature.
In their respective speeches, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Lands and Housing Pastor Okorougo Aji, Director General Aba Greater Development Agency, Mr. Ukeje and said that the Governor Dr Alex Otti believes in professionalism and due process and commended him for his administration resolved to restore the lost glory of town planners in the State.