Osun Assembly to Review Town Planning Laws – Hon. Adeoti
By Isreal Afolabi OSHA
With the goal of improving the quality of life for residents and ensuring sustainable development, the Osun State House of Assembly is embarking on a review of the state’s town planning laws.
Chairman, House Committee on Lands, Physical Planning and Urban Development, Hon. Lawrence Adeoti, made this known on Thursday, in his remarks during a meeting with officials of the ministry and town planners across all local government areas in the state.
He noted that inadequate synergy between Town Planners and Ministry has caused major problem in their services.
The lawmaker noted that there is the need to look into how the community could be well planned for better tomorrow.
According to him: “The rules guiding the Town Planning will soon be review for development and goodness of the state”
“There must be a mutual understanding between Ministry of Lands Physical Planning and Urban Development and Town Planning in various local government area across the state,” he added.
Hon. Adeoti also urged the officials to sentitise their staff on tax remittance for proper productivity.
In their contributions, other members of the Committee advised the Town Planners to work more on Land use Charges to increase internally generated revenue of the State.
They also urged Town Planners and Surveyors to work together for better services.
They also advised the officials of the town planning to embark on proper sensitisation of public on duties of Town Planners.
In their remarks the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Lands Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Mobolaji Olaoye and Surveyor General of the State, Mr Ayodele Soladoye condemned erecting a building without permission in major towns and cities.
They lamented lack of Town Planners in various local government areas of the state for effective service, while they urged for enforcement of law on a legal setting up of gas and filling stations in residential areas.
However, the head of Osogbo Local Government Town Planner, T.P Oyedele Rauf lamented unapproved building in various sites across the State, while calling for effective monitoring.
He said: “Low monitoring is affecting the Town Planning work in our various Local Government in the State.”
He solicited the assembly assistance on proper legislation on Town Planning.
In his contribution, the Director of Town Planning in the Ministry T.P Adeyemi confirmed that the ministry is mandated to have proper planning for the development of towns and cities across the state.
He frowned on work harzard encountered by Town Planners when on site, while soliciting enforcement to carry out their duties.
“We are to formulate Town Planning policies and to plan for major development of towns and cities.”
He also affirmed that the Town Planners are mandated to issue permit for building constructions for both residential and commercial purpose, noting that there is the need to look into various proposals concern building erection across the state.
Signed:
Hon. Lawrence Olalekan Adeoti,
Chairman, House Committee on Lands, Physical Planning and Urband Development, OSHA.