PROTECT FUTURE OF YOUR AREAS AGAINST SLUMS, OGUN GOVT. URGES CDCs

 PROTECT FUTURE OF YOUR AREAS AGAINST SLUMS, OGUN GOVT. URGES CDCs

       

  In a bid to ensure that houses are built in compliance with the regulations of the Ogun State Town Planning Laws, the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development has urged Community Development Committees (CDCs), to be partners in progress, by protecting the future of their areas against illegal development with the likelihood of becoming slums.

          Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Engr. Olayiwola Abiodun made this known during a sensitisation campaign to Ilupeju Oke-Odo West Area Community Development Committee, saying development of slums reduces the overall value of the properties within an area.

          Represented by the Director, Urban Development, TPL. Rufus Talabi, Abiodun noted that the act of building right with necessary approvals from the government was to the advantage of community members.

          He assured that the Ministry would continue to sentise communities on the benefits of abiding by rules and regulations guiding the erection of structures and the need to obtain building permits.

          In his address, the Acting General Manager, Ogun State Planning and Development Permit Authority (OGPDPA), TPL. Idowu James highlighted the advantages of obtaining building approvals to include, access to government resources in addressing petitions such as re-channelling of drainages, unblocking of access roads, and access to compensation in cases of road expansion or other physical development activities by government, among several others.

          TPL. James charged members of the CDCs to serve as government’s eyes and ears towards forestalling unwholesome developments in their areas, saying “if there are complaints or petition on encroachment or blockage of access roads or drainages, one of the first prerequisites to access government’s intervention through the Authority is the building approval of any of the petitioners, as this will show where the roads and drainage specifications lie for intervention to take place”.

          James encouraged people to approach the Authority’s headquarters and 22 Zonal Offices for assessment for their building approvals, inquiries about fees and costs of obtaining building approvals, and regularisation of their documents.

          Contributing, the Head of Department, Development, Research and Records, TPL. Felicia Aleburu stated the importance of the sensitisation exercise as being to enlighten the public towards their rights and duties as landlords and homeowners in the society, so they can know how to access government intervention when needed.

          Responding on behalf of the 51 Community Development Committees under his Area, the Chairman of the Ilupeju Oke Odo West ACDC, Alhaji Isiaka Ogunmuyiwa thanked government for bringing governance closer to the people, saying the enlightenment has given them confidence to approach the appropriate authorities to regularize their documents so that they can also partake of the dividend of democracy.