The North East Regional Minister, Mr Ibrahim Tia, has stated that effective planning and land usage will result in the building of resilient communities that can withstand the challenges of climate change.
Speaking at an orientation workshop organised to discuss a revised document on spatial planning in Nalerigu, he said effective planning and land usage will ensure the proper siting of social infrastructure like markets and industrial zones.
Mr Tia expressed concern about poor physical planning in the region, describing it as an age-long problem that has created challenges like congestion, flooding and painful conflicts over land use.
“These are not just inconveniences; they are serious impediments to our progress and the well-being of our people,” he noted.
He used the opportunity to urge stakeholders to play their roles in ensuring the effective implementation of the guidelines captured in the document.
Mr Tia appealed to the Municipal, District Chief Executives (MDCEs), saying, “You are the political leaders at the local level: I urge you to champion the preparation and implementation of these plans.”
He also urged them to demonstrate political will and provide the necessary leadership to ensure that development in their respective jurisdictions aligns with the shared vision outlined in the document.
To the Planners, Engineers, developers, private sector partners and Technical Officers, he urged them to acquaint themselves with the document and apply it with professionalism, integrity, and creativity.
The minister also acknowledged the traditional authorities as partners whose role in planning their communities is indispensable, saying, “Let us work together to blend our customary land tenure systems with modern spatial planning for the benefit of our people.”
The workshop was facilitated by a three-member team from the head office of the Land Use and Spatial Planning Authority (LUSPA) in Accra.
Bala Ali
