Expert Wants Improved Urbanisation In Rivers

An official of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP), Mr Otonte Braide, has urged the Rivers State Government to take steps towards improving urban regeneration to improve the quality of life and settlement of residents of the state.
Braide, gave the challenge in an interview with The Tide on Monday in Port Harcourt.
He noted that following the increasing urban drift, traffic congestion and perennial flooding in the state, the government needed to revisit the original master plan of the state, which he said, had been ignored since the last military regime.
He said the original master plan of the state only needed little adjustments to fix the critical environmental challenges such as flooding, landslides, erosion and housing deficit in the state.
Braide reasoned that, sound policy, urban designs using a workable plan, real estate development, political will and an enabling environment for ease of doing business were factors that could reshape a city to fit the immediate and long term needs of its populace.
The town planner further said, “properly executed city plan would adequately address traffic congestion, flooding and the huge housing gap currently plaguing the citizenry”.
He also urged the state government to address the traffic congestion in the state by revamping the railway transport system.
He said the quality of roads being constructed in the state must be improved upon, saying, “no road in Port Harcourt lasts beyond three years before it starts breaking down. This is due to the terrain, and as such the quality of materials and the construction style need to be improved upon”. He stressed that “a well planned city would enhance the city’s security situation and attract investors”.

Tonye Nria- Dappa