Anambra State Chapter of Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) has expressed concern over the violation of town planning regulations by illegal developers during the period of lockdown in the state.
The body regretted the implications of such illegality to the state, including building collapse, loss of lives, wastage of resources and materials as well as creating unhygienic environmental conditions that supported COVID-19 pandemic.
In a statement on Wednesday by the Chairman, Maduakonam Amaechina, NITP called on the state government to activate the process of demolishing all illegal developments carried out during the period of lockdown.
The statement read in part, “We observe the lapses created by the absence of Civil Servants from their duty posts, especially in the area of Physical Planning Administration and Development Control due to lockdown measures.
“This has created a false opportunity for illegal and recalcitrant developers to contravene town planning regulations.
“We want to draw the attention of everybody to the implications of such illegality which include building collapse, loss of lives, wastage of resources and materials as such development must be demolished.
“Above all, such illegal development creates unhygienic environmental conditions that support COVID-19 pandemic.
“In view of the foregoing, we are calling on the Anambra State Government to activate the process of demolishing all illegal developments carried out during the period of lockdown. The Chapter, therefore, warns all such illegal developers to desist from such acts.
“As a matter of fact, COVID-19 pandemic underscores the need for every government including Anambra State Government, to invest heavily and seriously in well-planned settlements with functional amenities such as good water supply, good road infrastructure, conveniences, among other things.
“For Anambra State, this can best be achieved through slum upgrading and urban renewal programmes as well as a review of existing Structure Plans (Master Plans), preparation of Structure Plans for other urban settlements in the state and spirited implementation of same for our urban towns and settlements.”
Applauding health workers and other frontliners in risking their lives while controlling the pandemic, the body prayed for God’s guidance and protection on them till the scourge was over, just as it urged the government to ensure all benefits due to them were promptly settled.
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