Plateau State Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development Hon. Ubandoma Joshua Laven, said that the state government has commenced the sensitization and capacity building for stakeholders in the preparation and implementation of the new Greater Jos Master Plan.
The theme for the seminar is titled “Challenges of preparation and implementation of physical master plan in Plateau state.
The Commissioner, while speaking at the unveiling of 20 years master plan said the state is embarking on an ambitious urban development programme.
In his words “The essence of this seminar is to prepare more reports and a master plan for Plateau State.”
” If you look at the previous or current master plan, you will see that we started this preparatory stage for a new master plan last year. “A comprehensive master plan requires stakeholder meetings like this, where professionals and relevant stakeholders come together to discuss key issues and areas that need improvements ”
According to him ” You can see the diverse group of people present, professional town planners, religious leaders, traditional rulers, and various associations and organizations that reside within society. ‘
“We need to hear their views and understand their needs in order to know what we should improve upon. We also need to know What distortions occurred in the last master plan so that it could be avoided “.
According to him, this is why we are involving all stakeholders,so that everyone is aware of the upcoming changes. ”
“The master plan is not just a government initiative; it is for the entire society. His Excellency, Governor Manasseh Mutfwang, has emphasized the need for all hands to be on deck.”
He argued that residents and communities must participate in the greater Jos master plan so that they understand designated areas for various developments.
Laven also added that ” No government can single-handedly fund all its urban development plans, However, when you meet international standards that is well-organized, institutions such as the United Nations Development Fund for Urban Shelters recognize your efforts.” ‘With a robust master plan, we can access grants to upgrade and beautify our cities. ‘
He also added that ” Currently, we are using the limited resources at our disposal to organize this sensitization and collaborative meeting, the goal is to align our plans with the standards of the World Bank and the United Nations agency responsible for shelter.
” We have already engaged in discussions with them, and they have advised us to first establish a comprehensive master plan that includes everyone. ”
He explained that the state government is committed to funding this initiative that they will rely on international collaborations, adding that this is why we are forming the City Consultation Council, which will includes community leaders, religious bodies, various organizations, and professional bodies”.
“Their participation will ensure that our process is transparent and aligns with international best practices, “This transparency is crucial for gaining access to external support for our urban development efforts. ”
Laven also added that ” Flooding is a critical issue that must be integrated into our master plan, Plateau State is located on a high-altitude terrain, yet even Jos, which is elevated, experiences severe flooding.
” The governor recognizes this challenge, and that is why we are working towards a decongested city with a well-planned drainage system. ”
” Unfortunately, lawlessness has contributed to these issues, the encroachment on designated setbacks, green areas, and waterways has led to environmental hazards. “.
“With Executive Order 003 now in effect, we will enforce regulations to reclaim these areas, structures built in violation of the master plan will be removed, Our approach to urban planning must consider climate resilience, as climate change is already impacting various parts of the world. ”
“The new city plan will ensure proper drainage and water management:
“Marked structures violating the master plan will be addressed soon. While we cannot completely decongest the city, we will correct distortions to restore order. ”
The Commissioner added that ” The scope of this project primarily covers Jos metropolis, which includes Jos North, Jos South, Jos East, and Bassa local government areas, These four LGAs form the immediate surroundings of the state capital..
” A replica of the master plan will extend to these areas to ensure controlled expansion and decongestion of the city, he added.
Laven also stressed that ” Improving road networks in these areas is key, the dualization of roads linking these local governments is being prioritized to enhance accessibility. ”
“Governance is a continuous process, and we are committed to ensuring that this urban rejuvenation plan is sustained beyond our tenure. “.
According to him, the last significant infrastructural development on the Plateau was under our founding father, the late Joseph Gomwalk. Someone must surpass that record , We cannot remain stagnant ,we must upgrade.
He further opened that standard buildings constructed decades ago still pass structural tests, proving that quality planning and construction are essential for long-lasting development. ”
“Our goal is to establish durable and sustainable structures that will outlive any administration, That is why we have focused on completing abandoned projects while initiating new ones.”
” If you observe, many projects that were neglected for years have now resumed. For example, the long-abandoned Dadin Kowa road project is ongoing, and the expansion of Namwa Junction to Millionaire’s Junction is progressing.”
” Similarly, the road linking Maraban Jama’a and the road behind the Jos South Secretariat are under construction. Accessibility is our priority. ”
“The timeline for achieving these goals will extend beyond our tenure ,However, the structures we establish today will ensure continuity, guaranteeing long-term progress in urban development.
Laven also said “A beautiful city cannot exist without proper human habitation, Our goal is to improve the living conditions of residents, not to inflict hardship. ”
“However, certain necessary adjustments will come with some sacrifices. Those who have encroached on flood-prone areas must vacate. Their actions have contributed to environmental hazards, and rectifying these issues is non-negotiable. ”
Regarding land disputes, our government is committed to fair compensation, The Commissioner for Lands is handling these issues meticulously to ensure that due process is followed. ”
“Compensation is provided for economic trees and properties affected by road expansions not for the land itself, Valuations are conducted based on depreciation, and payments are made accordingly. ”
Governor Mutfwang has emphasized that all our actions must have a human face.
“This means that while we enforce urban regulations, we also consider the welfare of those affected, Compensation is managed by the Ministry of Lands, while property valuations are handled by the Ministry of Housing. Every step we take follows due process, he further added.