Lagos Awards Contracts for Four New Master Plans

Akinwunmi Ambode

Towards ensuring an orderly environment in the metropolis, the Lagos State Government has awarded contracts for the development of masterplans for four new settlements, namely Kosofe in Ketu-Mile 12 environ, Oshodi-Isolo, Ikorodu and Epe.

So far, the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development has completed and published six model city plans of Alimosho, Apapa, Agege/Ifako, Mainland, Ikoyi-Victoria Island, Badagry and Lekki to ensure that information about the master plans and model city plans are properly documented for the use of professionals in the built environment and the public.



Another urban development project on the front burner is the development of Katangowa Market in Agbado/Oke-Odo Local Council Development Area. The market will accommodate businesses currently operating in the Ikeja Computer Village. The market, when fully completed, would boast of world class facilities that would enhance trade at the centre.

The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr. Wasiu Anifowoshe, who revealed this last week during a ministerial press briefing to commemorate one year in office of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, said the present administration was determined to further strengthen the physical development issues in the state.

According to the commissioner, who is also a town planner, when these master and model city plans are completed and integrated with existing development plans of other axis of the state, Lagos State would have a comprehensive master plan.

Anifowoshe said the feat is part of the pact the present administration has with residents of Lagos, assuring that, every effort was being made to ensure that physical development and development control matters were given priority.

Speaking on development control, the Commissioner said his ministry had on several occasions taken the issue of land use, spatial order, design and infrastructural proposals very seriously.

“In shaping the pattern and scope of the physical growth of Lagos State as a region, the Ministry had at various times taken into consideration spatial order, design, land use and infrastructural proposals for either immediate or future development.

“Virtually all areas of the State have had one form of development plan or the other except Kosofe, Oshodi-Isolo, Ikorodu and Epe.
these areas.”

Also, in line with the plan to within every five years review model city plan, Anifowoshe said Ikeja model city plan was already under review.
“Similarly, the operative Ikeja Model City Plan, which became operational in year 2010, is currently being prepared for review. The review is expected to be undertaken every five years.”

According to him, the review, when completed would accommodate changes that were not anticipated in the existing plan; it will optimize government resources on development with satisfying returns socially and economically.

Speaking on the state’s urban development drive, Anifowoshe said the Ministry in conjunction with its Urban Renewal Agency (LASURA) was totally committed to giving the Lagos Metropolis a befitting physical development that would enhance 24 hours socio-economic activities.

Urban-based studies have revealed the need to re-direct some economic activities that are inhibiting planning process and having negative impact on the environment, as well as rid the City of slums, hence the decision of the government to relocate the Oko-Baba Saw-millers and its ancillary services from their present location in Okobaba to Timberville in Ikosi-Ejirin LCDA of Lagos State.”
He also hinted that plans were on ground for the state government to develop regional markets in different axis of Lagos.

Sourced-TheGuardian