The chairman of the Institute of Town Planners in the Rivers State chapter, Emmanuel Ikechukwu, has issued a stern warning to residents of Rivers State, urging them to obtain the necessary approvals before commencing construction projects. He emphasized that failure to adhere to established town planning regulations could exacerbate the state’s vulnerability to severe flooding.
Ikechukwu clarified that it is crucial for the public to understand that local governments do not possess the authority to grant full approval for construction plans; they can only offer recommendations. Once a recommendation is received, individuals are required to proceed to either the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development or the Great Port Harcourt City Development Authority. These agencies will then conduct site inspections and undertake the necessary procedures. It is essential to note that simply obtaining documents from Obio/Akpor and commencing construction does not constitute valid building approval.
The state chairman of the town planning institute attributed the recent congestion in Port Harcourt City to a lack of proper planning. He asserted that the government should have involved town planners from the outset, enabling them to evaluate the impact of the Ring Road on the Greater Port Harcourt master plan. Town planners possess the expertise to manage urban development and anticipate the city’s growth trends. By addressing these factors, congestion could have been effectively controlled.
Simultaneously, environmentalist Dimkpa Minnie, a native of Bille in Degema LGA, Rivers State, expressed concern about rising water levels in the community. He urgently called on the state government to intervene and address the issue before it escalates. Minnie emphasized that the flood situation in Bille is deteriorating due to increased rainfall, resulting in suffering, displacement of residents, property damage, and a heightened risk of waterborne diseases. He stressed that the government’s provision of land protection and the development of a sustainable drainage system for Bille is a critical necessity.
