Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara. Photo: State government
The Rivers State Government has warned against carrying out any physical development without obtaining the necessary approvals from the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.
The government specifically warned individuals, corporate organisations and other stakeholders to heed the directive.
It said the ministry is the only legally recognised authority empowered to regulate physical planning and urban development in any part of the state.
It emphasised that anyone who contravenes due process will face legal consequences.
The state Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Amairigha Edward-Hart, disclosed this in a special public announcement signed on Monday and obtained by our correspondent.
Edward-Hart outlined the ministry’s statutory responsibilities and urged strict compliance with existing laws.
The statement said, “The public is hereby notified that the ministry is legally empowered to implement the state’s development plans, including master plans, action plans and neighbourhood plans.”
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According to the government, the ministry is also responsible for granting approvals and permits for all developments in the state, ensuring compliance with zoning regulations, setbacks, building heights and other development standards, as well as maintaining wastelands, vacant sites and open spaces.
The statement further said that the ministry has the authority to issue compliance notices, demolish illegal and unapproved structures where necessary, investigate encroachments and petitions relating to physical development, implement urban renewal programmes, issue Temporary Use of Space Permits, and revalidate approved building plans.
“For the avoidance of doubt, it is imperative to state that the above responsibilities fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, and no individual, group, or organisation is permitted to undertake any of these functions without due recourse to the Ministry,” the statement said.
The government called on residents, developers and corporate organisations to obtain all necessary permits, approvals and certifications before embarking on any construction, demolition or related physical development projects within the state.
It warned that violators of the regulations would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
“Any person or entity found to have flouted these provisions or to have circumvented the due process outlined above will be deemed to be in violation of extant laws governing Physical Planning and Urban Development, and shall be made to face the full wrath of the law,” the commissioner stated.
