By Emeka Samuel,Uyo
Akwa Ibom House of Assembly on Thursday passed into law the bill for a law to provide for the establishment of Urban and Regional Planning Board and Area planning Authorities and for all other purposes connected therewith.
The Bill which had earlier passed through first, second reading and committee stage was read a third time through a motion by Mr. Otobong Akpan, of Ukanafun state constituency and seconded by Mr. Uduak Ududoh of Ikot Abasi/ Eastern Obolo state constituency.
The bill, when assented to by the governor Udom Emmanuel would provide sustainable modalities for physical planning, development, and control of urban and rural space in Akwa Ibom.
The bill is also expected to provide the needed legal framework for proper planning, development control and management of physical space in the state.
It would further outline the guidelines and procedures for development control activities in line with urban and regional planning law of the country.
The bill, when assented to by the governor would encourage discipline in the use of land, promote compatibility, convenience and facilitate ease of movement for both human and vehicular traffic in the environment.
It is also expected to among other things improve the revenue base of the state through registration and approval of buildings, development, and fines from defaulters in both urban and rural areas of the state.
The physical urban control bill would create jobs and employment opportunities for professionals and allied service providers in the built environment.
In his remarks, House Speaker, Barr Onofiok Luke, said the law in addition to sanitizing the environment would further set out the needed legal framework for orderly and prudent management of land by incorporating appropriate professionals in the administration of physical space in the state.
He directed the Clerk of the House Mrs. Mandu Umoren, to send a clean copy of the bill to the Executive Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel for assent and the commencement date from June 6, 2019
Meanwhile, the sixth assembly came to an end today June 6 after its valedictory session even as Governor Emmanuel has sent a letter of proclamations for the seventh assembly to be inaugurated on June 10.
