Habitat Programme Manager, UN Habitat Support Office, Nigeria, Mr Kabir Yari, has called for adequate urban planning and provision of urban services to tackle habitat challenges.
Yari made the call on Monday in Abuja at the 2015 World Habitat Day (WHD) organised by the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development.
The Tide source reports that WHD which is celebrated annually every first Monday of October, was instituted by the UN in 1985, to reflect on the state of human settlements and basic rights to shelter.
Yari, in a presentation entitled “ Public Spaces for All: People Centred Approach for the Urban Agenda,’’ noted the challenges, implications and impact of lack of public space.
He said that lack of adequate planned streets and public places constituted an obstacle to the provision of piped water supply, sewage network and storm water drainages.
“The high propensity of urban areas experience flooding due to lack of interconnected drainages and uncollected solid waste.
“Lack of proper planning causes flooding, which reduces land values, causes losses and damage and loss of livelihoods.
“There is increased travel time due to fewer streets, poor connectivity and poor road conditions.’’
Yari, however, underscored the importance of infrastructure development and enhanced environmental sustainability.
He said the provision of these could support high productivity; promote quality of life, equity and social inclusion.
He urged urban and regional planners to encourage the promotion of connectivity in terms of planning as well as design, with sufficient land allocated to streets and the street network.
“There must be sufficient intersections available to facilitate shorter distances and reduce travel times, encourage walking and social interactions.
“Plans must reserve land to ensure a minimum amount of streets and open areas,’’ Yari said.
Dr Joan Clos, UN Habitat Executive Director, in his message, also stressed the need to plan and manage public places.
Clos said that well designed and managed public space was a key asset for a city’s functioning and has a positive impact on its economy, environment, safety, health integration and connectivity.
“The character of a city is defined by its streets and public places. From Squares and Boulevards to neighbourhood gardens, children playgrounds and public space frame city images.