GPHCDA Wants RVHA To Consider New Laws

The authorities of the Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority (GPHCDA), has appealed to the Rivers State House of Assembly to give consideration to two fresh bills that would enhance its performance in realising set objectives.

Administrator of the Greater Port Harcourt City, Dame Aleruchi Cookey-Gam, made the appeal Friday during an interactive session with House of Assembly committee members on NDDC and Greater Port Harcourt City at the organisation’s Head Office in Port Harcourt.

Dame Cookey-Gam listed the proposed bills as Declaration of Development Area bill and GPHC Development Control bill. The Authority requested for the amendment of the physical development planning law.

According to her, “the authority was established in April 2, 2009 to drive the development of a new city as a result of over crowding in Port Harcourt, noting that the entire areas covered by the new city is 190, 000 hectares of land.

She explained that the authority has commended the infrastructural development of the phase one covering 2,500 hectares made up of roads, provision of water, electricity, storm water, etc, while 2,000 housing units for the city would be undertaken as private developers have indicated serious concern to partner with the body.

The chairman of the House Committee on NDDC/GPHC, Hon. Sam Eligwe said the interactive meeting was apt, particularly as it affords them opportunity to share information on the progress of work done by the authority.

Hon. Eligwe remarked that provision of infrastructure was key in the development of any city, adding that since projects have duration and completion dates, its will help them during budget defence for the 2013 fiscal year.

The meeting, which resolved to shelve its planned inspection tour to the new city for a later date, had in attendance deputy speaker, Hon. Leyii Kwanee, Hon. Michael Okey-Chinda, Hon. Okechukwu Ankara and Hon. Anderson Miller.