‘Exclusion of Town Planners responsible for structural defects’

Nigerian Institute of Town Planners, Anambra State chapter, has criticized the non-inclusion of the professional body in various developmental projects executed by the state government giving rise to structural defects and chaotic environment. It said government neglect of its members in the planning and execution of infrastructural projects and developmental plans has created more problems […]

Nigerian Institute of Town Planners, Anambra State chapter, has criticized the non-inclusion of the professional body in various developmental projects executed by the state government giving rise to structural defects and chaotic environment.

It said government neglect of its members in the planning and execution of infrastructural projects and developmental plans has created more problems than expected.

The chairman of the body, Joachin Ulasi, who stated this in Awka during a press conference to mark the golden jubilee of the institute, said most projects in the state were undertaken without the knowledge of the professional body.  

He cited the traffic problems being created by the newly constructed flyover bridges at the popular Aroma junction in Awka, arguing that If professional Town Planners were involved at the design and decision taking stages of the project, the problems could have been averted.

Ulasi further lamented the degeneration of most parts of the state into slums or blighted areas as a result of many years of structure plan (Master Plan) jettisoning, as well as indifference to proper physical planning administration..

“These areas are easily seen at parts of Onitsha, Awka, Nnewi and even at newly designated smaller urban areas of the state.

“This is even more frightening given that Anambra is just 4,844 square kilometres in size just greater than Lagos by mere 1,499 square kilometers with projected population of 5,425,334 indicating that it is possible the entire state may become totally urbanized in the near future,” he added.