The Plateau Government plans to develop and implement a new greater Jos master plan to address the challenges of development control arising within the city and environs.

The state Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Ubandoma Laven, disclosed this on Thursday, in Jos, at a two-day sensitisation and capacity-building seminar on the preparation and implementation of the new greater Jos master plan.

The event, organised by the Ministry for Housing and Urban Development, had the theme “Challenges of preparation and implementation of physical master plan in Plateau.”

According to Mr Laven, the lifespan of the existing Jos master plan would elapse in 2025, hence the need for a new one.

“This seminar reflects our collective commitment to sustainable development, planned growth, and improved living standards for our people.

“Over the years, our state has been confronted with challenges such as unplanned settlements, inadequate infrastructure, and haphazard development. This issue often leads to inefficiencies, reduced quality of life, and other environmental concerns. So, an effective master plan will provide a framework for the growth, guiding the physical, social, and economic development of our towns and cities,” he said.

The commissioner explained that the seminar was also aimed at fostering collaboration among various stakeholders toward ensuring the successful execution of the plan.

Mr Laven thanked Governor Caleb Mutfwang for taking the bold step toward ensuring Jos becomes one of the most enviable cities in Nigeria.

He, however, called on residents of the state to support the government toward the actualisation of the new greater Jos plan.

Speaking, the Commissioner for Lands, Survey, and Town Planning, Peter Gai, said that the new master plan would tackle slums, insecurity, and inadequate building of structures, among other challenges.

He added that the master plan would be a vision for sustainable development in the state, hence the need for stakeholders to support the giant move.

The seminar drew participants from various ministries, departments, and agencies and the 17 local government areas (LGAs) of the state.

(NAN)