By Damilola Aina
The Nigerian Institute of Town Planners has lamented the total lack of physical planning on new sites being developed by the Federal Government.
The NITP President, Nathaniel Atebije, said this at the institute’s quarterly press conference held in Abuja recently with the theme “Wake up, Nigeria, and put on strength”.
He said the essence of the conference was to undertake serious diagnosis of issues related to the growth and development of the country, particularly as it relates to the physical planning of the land resources.
He queried the government’s adherence to fundamental technical processes before the commencement of the construction of the 3112 housing units under the Renewed Hope Cities.
According to Atebije, the submission of development proposals for technical scrutiny, environmental impact assessment, and development permits is critical to avert the consequences of a poorly planned city.
He said, “Recently, the government unveiled a housing programme and we give kudos to the President and ministers that birthed the groundbreaking of the Renewed Hope Cities. There is no doubt that the programme is lofty, gigantic, and may be beneficial to Nigerians.
“However, there are still some puzzling questions that agitate our minds to ask if the houses are built. Are they intended to increase the numerical strength of the nation’s housing stock or to make dwelling units available and affordable to vulnerable and underprivileged Nigerians?
“Further to this, there are some fundamental technical processes for such a project to undergo before construction commences, especially in a city like Abuja.”
He added that issues that needed special attention were the submission of development proposals for technical, environmental impact assessment reports and development permits from the development control department and public scrutiny by stakeholders.