By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

The Anambra State Chapter of Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) has decried the level of contravention of town planning regulations by illegal developers during the lockdown period in the state.

It observed that the implications of such illegality to the state which include, building collapse, loss of lives, wastage of resources and materials as well as creation of unhygienic environmental conditions lend opening to COVID-19 pandemic.

In a statement on Wednesday by the Chairman, Tpl. Maduakonam Amaechina, NITP called on the State Government to activate the process of demolishing all illegal developments carried out during the period of lockdown.

The statement reads in part: “We want to draw the attention of everybody to the implications of such illegality which include building collapse, loss of lives, wastage of resources and materials as such development must be demolished.

“We observe the lapses created by the absence of civil servants from their duty posts especially in the area of Physical Planning Administration and Development Control due to lockdown measures.

“This has created false opportunity for illegal and recalcitrant developers to contravene town planning regulations. Above all, such illegal development creates unhygienic environmental conditions that support COVID-19 pandemic.

“In view of the foregoing, we are calling on the Anambra State Government to activate the process of demolishing all illegal developments carried out during the period of lockdown. The Chapter therefore warns all such illegal developers to desist from such acts.”

Maduakonam stressed that COVID-19 pandemic underscores the need for every government to invest heavily and seriously in well planned settlements with functional amenities such as good water supply, good road infrastructure, conveniences, etc.

According to him, the feat can best be achieved through slum upgrading and urban renewal programmes and the review of existing Structure Plans, (Master Plans).

Other measures include preparation of Structure Plans for other urban settlements in the state and spirited implementation of same for the state urban towns and settlements.

The body prayed for God’s guidance and protection for health workers who are in the frontline of the deadly pandemic, even while urging government to ensure all benefits due to them were promptly settled.