To ensure orderly development, the Lagos State government has inaugurated a technical committee for the review of the Lekki Comprehensive Master Plan (2021-2041), which is one of the four important growth corridors in the state.
Speaking during the inauguration, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Idris Salako said the step is part of efforts aimed at achieving the greater Lagos project.
With the continuous influx of people and construction of infrastructural facilities in the Lekki area, new problems are beginning to emerge at an alarming rate, especially pressure on land, space and infrastructure.
Salako, who was represented by the Director of, the Technical Services Department in the Ministry, Bola Aliu, said the review became necessary for control of spatial activities due to sporadic increase in physical development within the sub-region of the state.
“The review of the Operative Development Plan is in tandem with the agenda of the administration as stipulated in the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning Law 2019 (as amended). The Law allows for the amendment/review of plans every five years.”
He disclosed that the project was awarded to Messrs Mepas and Prodel Nigeria Limited, a firm of physical planning and development experts.
The commissioner solicited active cooperation and support of the technical committee members to provide relevant and timely information that would help the consultant deliver on schedule.
The Director, Regional and Master Plan Department of the ministry, Oladeinde Olawale, noted the dynamic growth rate and development of the Lekki axis, which plays host to growth pole developments such as the Free Trade Zone, Dangote Refineries, the proposed Lekki Deep Sea Port and Lagos International Airport.
He said this, has led to an increased demand for infrastructural facilities to cater for residents in the sub-region.
He said: “The review will address the challenges and correct existing physical problems of rapid urbanisation, infrastructural deficit and development pressure, through urban planning and management, leading to sustainable growth. I must also say that the review process will ensure all the identified lapses in the extant plan (2013-2033) are adequately attended to.”
Olawale said the review of the plan would not be completed without the inauguration of the technical committee, which is expected to drive the project and legitimise input by participating Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
The Lead Consultant on the project, Victor Emdin, a town planner, stated that there has been an aggressive policy to push physical planning to the front burner of the administration’s activities.
“A team comprising more than 15 experts have been assembled to undertake the exercise designed to identify problems such as chaotic traffic, poor intra-state and inter-state connectivity, poor environmental management – refuse collection and disposal, poor drainage and flooding system. We are currently liaising with MDAs in order to properly undertake the review that will ensure a legacy performance for all stakeholders.”
Source- The Guardian
