Katsina unveils new master plan for urban development

Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has disclosed that a new master plan to ensure proper urban planning across the state is underway.

The plan, he said will begin with the major city of Katsina and will gradually be implemented across the state’s 34 local government areas.

Governor Radda made this known when TPL. Barnabas Atiyaye, led a delegation of the North West Forum of the Nigeria Institute for Town Planners paid him a courtesy visit at the Katsina Government House.

According to the Katsina Governor, the state government has already approved the recruitment of qualified town planners to be deployed to the Ministry of Lands and Fiscal Planning and the newly established Katsina Geographical Information System (KATGIS) agency.

The initiative he said aims to ensure proper planning, enforce regulations on building structures and layouts, and prevent future disregard for regulations as seen in areas like Kwado, a new Katsina township settlement.

To address existing illegal structures, Governor Radda disclosed that the government has procured heavy-duty machinery worth over N725 million.He emphasized that going forward, anyone building new structures must adhere to town planning regulations and obtain necessary approvals from the state government.

Governor Radda expressed his appreciation for the North West town planners’ willingness to contribute to the development of the proposed master plan. He advised them to submit a formal request to the North West Governors’ Forum, inviting them to present their expertise on how physical planning can contribute to state development and improve the economic well-being of citizens.

Team leader TPL Barnabas Atiyaye expressed his gratitude to Governor Radda for agreeing to host the ongoing North West workshop organized by the Northern Planners Forum.

The State Commissioner for Lands and Physical Planning, Dr. Faisal Umar, noted that the upcoming workshop organized by the Northern Planners Forum will equip town planners across the North West with the latest knowledge on geographical information systems.