By Prisca Nguzo
Nigeria Institute of Town Planners, Imo State chapter has solicited collaborative support to combat the menace of flooding, illegal building and other environmental challenges in the state.
The newly elected Chairman of the Imo NITP, Mr. Austin Ukanwa made the call at a press conference held in Owerri, on Monday.
He stressed that quality infrastructural development is a collective responsibility wherein the government, stakeholders and citizens of the state have critical roles to play.
Ukanwa said his administration, aside playing advisory roles, would embark on adequate sensitization of the public on dangers of erecting buildings on water ways, illegal structures, indiscriminate dumping of refuge especially on flood path among others that constitute environmental hazards.
He said, "Today, again offers us the opportunity to provoke a conversation around creating for the inhabitants of Imo State, a sustainable human settlement in all the communities, towns and cities in the State.
"The mission of Imo Town Planners is to see an environment which is livable, healthy, friendly, efficient and economically viable, through ethical, professional training and practices that is responsive to citizens' needs and social dynamics.
"Town Planning is essential to manage, on behalf of the State government the effects of urbanization such as overcrowding, traffic congestion, unemployment, slum development, Water and sanitation problems, urban crime, etc
"Therefore, the quest for sustainable human settlements in our State cannot be achieved without the endorsement, involvement and buy-in of government at various levels of governance and other critical stakeholders."
"This press conference is also to inform the general public and members of the press of my forthcoming investiture as the Chairman, Nigerian Institute of Town Planners, Imo State Chapter that would also herald the inauguration of the Chapter’s 2024/2025 State Executive Committee members. The event comes up on Friday, 6th of June, 2025, at West Brook Hotels." Ukanwa added.
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