Lawmakers Task Development Authority On Adherence To Master Plan

By Israel Afolabi

Officials of the New Town and Growth Areas Development Authority have been charged to focus on due diligence as they carry out their assignment on Oranmiyan New Town Scheme.

The Chairman, House of Assembly Committee on Land, Physical Planning and Urban Development, Hon. Nurein Adebisi gave the charge on Tuesday at an interactive meeting with officials of the Authority at the State House of Assembly Complex, Osogbo.

According to him, the focus of the interaction with the officials of the Authority was basically on Oranmiyan New Town Scheme and the progress made so far.

Hon. Adebisi recalled that there had been previous meetings as well as pre-budget discussions with emphasis on the need for a law to back up the agency. He emphasized the need to sort out several issues relating to the Oranmiyan New Town such as engineering design, manner of Land allocation, rule of engagement of developers, Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) among others.

The Chairman, while responding to the submission by the officials offered suggestions on how to discharge their duties so as to achieve result. He commended them for digital approach to execution of the Oranmiyan New Town Project while directing that the copies of engineering design as well as the MoU with developers be forward to the committee.

However, the chairman said, “We must discuss how the Oranmiyan New Town will be transformed into reality, we cannot be part of bad attitude toward the State Properties.

Some of the lawmakers who are members of the committee also warned the officials against the antics of some developers who may want to hoodwink the state in the transaction process. They advised on the need for frequent interaction with the committee, stressing the importance of adhering strictly with the master plan of the project.

Earlier, the Director General of the Authority, Arc Muyiwa Ige had responded to questions from lawmakers in respect of the progress made on the scheme. He explained the mode of allocation of land and the type of partnership arrangement, adding that the role of the Authority is to manage and control the project.

He clarified that ministry of land is in charge of Certificate Occupancy (C of O) while Osun New Town and Growth Areas Development Authority will  be in charge of allocation and development of land. He however solicited the cooperation of the lawmakers to check the activities of trespassers.