The Ondo government has expressed its determination to transform the state’s physical landscape in achieving its urban renewal agenda.

Bunmi Alade, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, stated this on Friday during stakeholders’ meeting with the Deji of Akure and his council of chiefs in his palace in Akure.

Mr Alade noted that the stakeholders’ meeting became imperative to solicit the collaboration of the people and the Deji of Akure to achieve sustainable urban growth and development.

According to the permanent secretary, the governor will soon approve the modern master plan for Akure and other major cities in the state.

“We are committed to improving the quality of life of the people in the state, particularly the state capital, in orderly and sustainable growth and development.

“We urged the Deji to continue to sensitise his people on the need to desist from the construction of illegal structures in the town,” said Mr Alade.

He added, “The ministry will soon commence demolition of such structures without notification or compensation.

“Prospective builders and building contractors should always come to the ministry to obtain necessary documents and approval before embarking on any type of building.

“All buildings must be constructed in line with the rules and regulations guiding building construction in the state.”

Mr Alade further explained that proper layout, which would indicate public utilities such as schools, health centres, and neighbourhood markets, must be done for every community.

The Deji of Akure, Oba Ogunlade Aladetoyinbo, expressed displeasure at the rate of construction of buildings on government setbacks and unauthorised locations within the city.

Mr Aladetoyinbo charged the ministry with intensifying the monitoring of building and construction to put an end to such activities that could affect government programmes.

The traditional ruler commended the government’s policy initiatives, urban renewal strategies, and the ministry’s activities to curb the negative impact of socio-economic and sustainable urban development in Akure.

He pledged his total support for the people of his kingdom to achieve the success of the ministry’s activities. 

(NAN)