The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly at plenary on Thursday passed into law, a bill for the establishment of Urban and Regional Planning Board and Area planning Authorities and for all other purposes connected therewith.
The Bill which had earlier passed through first, second reading and committee stage was read a third time through a motion by Mr Otobong Akpan, member representing Ukanafun state constituency and seconded by Mr Uduak Ududoh member representing Ikot Abasi/ Eastern Obolo state constituency.
Enumerating the importance of the bill, the house said, “The bill, when assented to by the governor would provide sustainable modalities for physical planning, development and control of urban and rural space in Akwa Ibom.
“It would provide the needed legal framework for proper planning, development control and management of physical space in the state.
The bill as passed would outline the guidelines and procedures for development control activities inline with urban and regional planning law of the country.
The bill is expected to among other things improve the revenue base of the state through registration and approval of buildings, development and fines from defaulters in both urban and rural areas of the state.
In his remarks, the Speaker, Mr Onofiok Luke, said the law in addition to sanitizing the environment would further set out the needed legal framework for orderly and prudent management of land by incorporating appropriate professionals in the administration of physical space in the state.
He directed the Clerk of the House Mrs Mandu Umoren, to send a clean copy of the bill to the Executive Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel for assent and the commencement date from June 6, 2019
However the sixth assembly came to an end today, Thursday, June 6 after its valedictory session and the Governor, Udom Emmanuel has sent a letter of proclamations for the seventh assembly to be inaugurated on June 10.
