Ondo State Government Unveils Plans for Comprehensive Master Plans in Akure and Araromi Sea-side

Ondo State Government has allocated funds in its current budget to create a master plan for the state capital, Akure, which will serve as a template for development and proper land allocation. The government has also initiated steps for a regional master plan in Araromi sea-side, aiming to harness the economic benefits of the proposed deep-sea port and free trade zone. The initiatives aim to address the issue of unorganised settlements in the state, which is largely attributed to the unavailability of master plans for major towns and cities.

Key Takeaways:

• The Ondo State Government has allocated funds in its current budget for the production of a comprehensive master plan for Akure, aiming to guide development and proper land allocation.
• The government has initiated steps for a regional master plan in Araromi sea-side, targeting the proposed deep-sea port and free trade zone for economic benefits.
• The absence of master plans for major towns and cities is identified as the primary cause of unorganised settlements in the state.
• The state Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development is collaborating with international organisations such as UN-Habitat and Chevron to facilitate the production of master plans for major cities.
• The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has completed a development plan for Okitipupa and is currently working on a plan for Irele, while conducting a housing deficit survey in Akure as a pilot scheme.
• The state government is seeking the Assembly's consideration and accelerated passage of the revised Town Planning Laws for domestication, which will help strengthen urban renewal and proper land use.
• The Ondo State House of Assembly Committee on Physical Planning and Urban Development has expressed readiness to collaborate with the Ministry to strengthen urban renewal and proper land use.

Statistics:

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Sources:

• Statement by the Director of Information for the Ministry, Williams Oni, as issued by The Hope news source.
• Remarks by the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr. Sunday Olajide, during the familiarisation visit of the state House of Assembly Committee on Physical Planning and Urban Development.
• Statement by the Chairman of the Ondo State House of Assembly Committee on Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr. Babatunde Fasonu.
• Remarks by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Chief Oluwagbenga Akingbasote.