The Delta State government has sought World Bank technical and financial support to strengthen urban planning, transportation and infrastructure development across the state.

The Commissioner for Economic Planning, Sonny Ekedayen, made the request when he received the World Bank Integrated Urban Management Solutions Technical Mission in Asaba on Saturday.

Mr Ekedayen described the mission as a critical step towards building sustainable, resilient and economically vibrant cities, in line with the state government’s urban renewal agenda.

“As a Ministry, we coordinate all development plans and donor-supported programmes.

“This validation mission is very necessary so that all stakeholders will be on the same page to identify areas where technical support is needed,” he said.

Mr Ekedayen said the mission would help the state review and strengthen urban planning laws and master plans, while developing an urban management information system.

He said the system would be powered by a geographic information system and land information system to improve urban management across the state.

Mr Ekedayen said the state had made strategic investments in urban management by creating the Ministry of Urban Renewal.

He also listed the Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency and Warri/Uvwie and Environs Development Agency among the government’s urban management initiatives.

The commissioner assured the World Bank team of the state government’s full support and urged ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to provide relevant and validated data.

Earlier, the team lead, Bertine Kamphuis, Lead Private Sector Development Specialist, said the mission was in Delta to explore sustainable and integrated urban management opportunities.

Ms Kamphuis said discussions would focus on building productive, resilient, inclusive and liveable cities through improved institutional, financial, planning and service-delivery systems.

Also, Commissioner for Transport, Onoriode Agofure, said the ministry needs technical support to install traffic cameras and develop mini and mushroom bus terminals.

He also requested support for creating ‘Blue and Red BRT’ lanes to improve transportation and traffic management in Asaba, Warri and other major cities.

The Commissioner for Urban Renewal, Sunday Tatabuguzo, sought technical support to implement the state’s master plans fully.

He said the support would help ensure orderly development and curb slum growth across Delta.

The Director-General of the Asaba Capital Territory Development Agency, Chief Patrick Ukah, requested support for waste-to-wealth processors and modern environmental cleaning machines.

Mr Ukah also sought technical assistance for proper zoning to separate residential areas from industrial areas in Asaba and other major towns.

The Commissioner for Energy, Michael Anoka, said the state needed technical support to develop its own energy transmission infrastructure.

Mr Anoka said the initiative would support the state government’s aspiration to make Delta an energy hub in Nigeria.

The permanent secretary, Ministry of Environment, Ogbugo Victor, requested support for establishing sanitary landfills and recycling plants for sustainable waste management.

The World Bank team thereafter held an in-depth technical session with officials of various MDAs.

(NAN)