The Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA) is partnering with the Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA) to give Anambra State a world-class city focused on Dubai Model City concept, envisaged by Governor Willie Obiano.

Stakeholders converged over the weekend for the 2015 NIA State Chapter Annual Conference organised by NIA and ACTDA at the Emmaus House, Awka with the theme, ‘Developing An Effective Urban Master Plan for Awka Capital Territory’.

Speaking after declaring the one-day seminar open, Governor Obiano stated that as a friend of the “built environment” who is excited with the activities of the NIA, he believes in professional organisations driving the process of infrastructural development.

Governor Obiano, who was represented by the Executive Vice Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer of ACTDA, Arc. Michael Okonkwo, recalled that since the May 15, 2014 inauguration of the 10-man Board for ACTDA, the team has kept pace with the mandate to transform Awka like Dubai did from 1990 to 2013.

To achieve the transformation, Obiano said ACTDA was mandated to accelerate infrastructural development of the Awka Capital Territory, prepare a Master Plan for the Territory, implement the Awka Capital Territory Master Plan, provide infrastructural services and coordinate all building development activities of the private sector, parastatals and government agencies within the Territory. According to him, the Awka Capital Territory consists of six local government areas in part or in whole of Anaocha, Awka North, Awka South, Dunukofia, Njikoka and Orumba North.

He pointed out that the Model City Concept for Awka Capital Territory considered and adopted most efficient, productive, lucrative and affordable design principles before settling for three Capital Cities of Dubai of United Arab Emirates; Seoul, the capital city of South Korea and Kigali, the capital city of Republic of Rwanda.

The governor stressed that the importance he attaches to an orderly environment informed the speed with which he approved the Development Control Manual (DCM) produced by ACTDA, geared towards ensuring orderliness that will propel sustainable development in Awka Capital Territory and control of land use and institution of compliance with space standards and approved designs. He said ACTDA has completed such projects as Aerial Photography of Awka Capital Territory with a resolution of 10cm, using a mapping that produces a higher Digital Terrain Model height accuracy for urban planning and engineering designs and aerial photogrammetric method of surveying that involves measurement and interpretation of features directly from aerial photography.

In his welcome address, Chairman of the State chapter of NIA, Arc. Peter Okpala, noted that the theme of the conference was carefully chosen as a major contribution of the association to the infrastructural development in the state. He stressed that “the choice was informed by our decision to partner with the current administration of governor Obiano that has shown good desire to lay a solid foundation for orderly infrastructural development.”

Arc. Okpala noted that the dream of actualisation of Awka Capital Territory became more glaring with the Obiano administration. “Everyone here will agree with me that since after the creation of Anambra State in August 1991, not much has been done to change the state capital from its rural nature to its current status as the state capital. Instead, the reckless subdivision and sale of lands by individuals and government agencies in the state capital tends to tilt the town towards urban slums.

According to Okpala, “The members of the NIA Anambra State, very desirous of working to improve our environment, saw the setting up of Awka Capital Territory Development Authority as a wonderful opportunity to create a world-class city in our state and also a platform for us to achieve our long desire to create a decent environment for our people. There might have been attempts to produce the master plan before now, but it never materialised.”

He appreciated the governor for appointing professionals in the art of governance, adding that his quick response during the period of incessant collapse of building in the state and setting up Collapsed Building Panel has ensure that not a single building has collapsed again unlike between June and September 2014 when about 10 buildings collapsed in the state.

While hailing Rubend Nig. Ltd and Intercolor Ltd for their exhibitions, at this conference, Arc Okpala sought for partnership with the State government in the areas of project monitoring and supervision for which the Association requested for a bus and project monitoring vehicle for effectiveness.

Resources persons presented papers during the occasion namely: ‘Urban Renewal Plan/Redevelopment Structure for the Capital Territory’ by Professor Leonard Muoghalu; ‘Sustainable Urban Development Plan’ by Arc. Adibe Njoku; ‘Waste Management System/Refuse Disposal’ by Dr. Anthony Okoye and ‘Effective Physical Planning Laws/Legislation’ by Arc. Chijioke Okwuowulu.

Others are ‘Fire Control Safety Management’ by Engr. Martins Agbili; ‘Security System and Management’ by CP Hosea Karma; ‘Traffic Control and Management’ by Mr. Sunday Ajayi; and ‘Developing An Effective Urban Waste Management System for Sustainable Environment’.

Highlight of the occasion was the presentation of honourary award of special award of “the Most Professionally-Friendly Governor of the State” on Governor Obiano as well as honourary awards to former Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Oseloka Obaze, and former Commissioner for Works, Sir Callistus Ilozumba, for their contributions to Human and Infrastructural Development during their period of service to the State.

•Photo shows Governor Willie Obiano exchanging pleasantries with Dr Kamal Azer of Aeroprecisa while Chairman of Awka Capital Development Authority (ACTA), Dr Michael Okonkwo, watches.

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