BY: EMMANUEL CHUKWUMA, ENUGU.

The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Imo State, on Open Spaces and Parks Management, Hon. Mike Akwiwu has advised the Association of land speculators to always apply for charting report from Town Planning Department of Ministry of Lands, Survey and Physical Planning for proper charting report before recommending for investment on landed property.

He stressed that lands within Owerri metropolis and other towns in the state are inclusive.

Hon. Akwiwu made this known when the Association paid him a courtesy visit in his office, in Owerri, Imo State.

He stressed the need for them to get adequate clearance from the approved government department before recommendation for investment on landed property,

According to him, this admonition is necessary and applicable to real estate developers, property agents, individuals and the general public.

“The people should know that there is existing master plan for Owerri Capital Territory, and approved gazetted layout plans, which is a very good guide, before any development within the stipulated areas. stressing that it is very unfortunate that some investors were victims of distortions and encroachments of Owerri master plan because they did not get adequate clearance from the Town Planning Department or any other government department of town planning that are incharge of implementing the master plans and the layout plans respectively and advised them to make very wide consultations from appropriate government departments that are responsible for the charting and other necessary clearance before investment on any landed property, within the stipulated areas.”

” In accordance with the government policy of Recovery, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (3R) led by Distinguished Senator Hope Odidika Uzodinma , the Governor of Imo State, will no longer tolerate the abuse and distortions of the Master Plan and layout plans.”

He highlighted that it is absolutely wrong for people to erect illegal structures without approval of any kind on; “railway lines, green verges, road verges, government open spaces and retention basins.”

“Encroachment into government properties are highly prohibited therefore the owners of those illegal structures without approval should carefully remove them on or before the end of November, 2025.”

Responding on behalf of the delegation, HRH Eze Chima Nkpado praised the Imo State Governor for his performances, implementation and sanitation of the urban areas in Imo State.

He also used the opportunity to appreciate the Governor of the state for the appointment of Barr. Enyinnaya Onuegbu as Hon. Commissioner, Ministry of Lands, Survey and Physical Planning, and also Hon. Mike Akwulwu as Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Open Spaces and Parks Management.

In his contribution, Chief Ezinna Tony Opara thanked the Governor for the Landmark achievements across the state and prayed that Almighty God will continue to lead him in his administration.