The State Government has approved a new development control, enforcement and monitoring policy framework under its urban development and renewal scheme.
The Commissioner for Urban Development, Dr. Tammy Danagogo disclosed this while speaking in an Editors round-table interview programme in Port Harcourt.
Dr. Danagogo said the new policy guideline also includes some proactive measures to be adopted in ensuring effective development control in all urban centers in the state.
He re-emphasized governments resolve to ensure that it was only when negotiations and mutual agreements are reached with adequate compensation paid before government would embark on the demolition of structures and eventual development of any slump or waterfront inhabited by people.
According to him, with all the legal and statutory instruments at the disposal of government, the Governor Amaechi’s administration still recognizes the right of the people and carries out its urban renewal and development scheme with human face.
The Commissioner noted that no government worth its salt would continue to encourage the existence of slumps against the background of the security challenges they pose and the provision of better living conditions and basic amenities for the people.
Dr. Tammy Danagogo further explained that part of government’s intention is to sand-fill such affected waterfronts and encourage investors to partner with the government under a private public partnership, PPP arrangement to develop the areas.
The development process entails the provision of housing, roads and other basic social amenities that would substantially improve the lots of the people. ###
