…By Emma Okereke, Owerri…
Imo State Government has vowed to restore the city plan of Owerri – the capital city- through a conscientious implementation of the physical master plan of the state for urban and rural development.
Commissioner for lands, Survey and Urban Development, Chief Uche Nwosu, who made this vow, said that already some buildings which stand on road paths or are to close to the river, or block sewage system had been demolished and the owners relocated and paid compensation.
He said that this exercise would soon affect those who have built on recreational parks or built without government approved plans.
Chief Nwosu was speaking at an interactive session with members of the Correspondents’ Chapel of Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Imo State Council, in Owerri.
He also disclosed that the Urban renewal projects of his ministry include the newly constructed roundabouts which dot approaches to the capital and major areas within the metropolis. He said that these, in addition to the new access roads, that had been created, since the rescue administration of Owelle Rochas Okorocha, came onboard, have had far reaching effects on decongestion of roads.
On the other achievements of his ministry, Chief Nwosu said that they had also paid compensations, running into hundreds of millions in naira, for about 19 land areas acquired for various development projects. He noted that over 80 percent of these were acquired by past administrations in the state.
“This is why there has not been protests for compensation for lands acquired since this administration took over “he asserted. Other achievements include design and review of several Urban and Regional lay outs; resuscitation of the Owerri Capital Development Authority (OCDA) which he said was now, contributing substantially to the Internal Generated Revenue (IGR) of the ministry, perimeter survey of over 22 land areas acquired by government for development purposes and the establishment of Imo Geographic Information Agency (IGIA). This according to him has improved facilities and logistics for processing Certificate of Occupancy (CofO) and other land issues.
He advised those who have not re-certified their lands to do so even as he advised those with the old C of O to renew it.
Chief Nwosu also announced cancellation of Orji Layout plots for those who have neither paid nor developed their plots.
Earlier chairman of the chapel Mr. Christian Nwokocha commended the ministry for all its achievements especially payment of compensation to land owners. He, however, advised the commissioner to redouble efforts in curbing the activities of fraudsters.