BY KASE GREATNESS
THE Delta State Government has announced plans to implement a digitalised system aimed at curbing fraudulent practices in its urban planning processes.
The Commissioner for Urban Renewal, Engr. Michael Anoka disclosed this during a meeting with Area Planning Officers in Asaba, the state capital.
He was responding to allegations by some private town planning consultants, who accused government officials of undue interference in planning functions and issuing development approvals contrary to laid-down procedures.
“We have identified fraud and fake approvals as a major challenge in our ministry, and we are putting firm measures in place to address them.
“One such measure is the introduction of a coding system for all policy plans. This will enable us to trace each development approval to the specific Area Planning Officer (APO) responsible, thereby eliminating forgery, impersonation, under-assessment, and unauthorised approvals,” Anoka said.
He revealed that the ministry had discovered instances where APOs approved development plans outside their designated jurisdictions, and even cases involving the use of approval stamps belonging to deceased officers.
To ensure transparency and accountability, Anoka said the new coding process would allow the Permanent Secretary to monitor all approvals issued by APOs and evaluate service delivery accordingly.
The Commissioner warned that any town planning consultants engaging in fraudulent acts or colluding with unethical staff would be dealt with according to the law.
According to him, “We are serious about cleaning up the system. Anyone caught will face the full wrath of the law. Technology will help us deliver better, faster, and more transparent service to the public.”
He further announced the establishment of a Development Control Unit, tasked with conducting routine inspections to enforce compliance with development standards and minimise cases of substandard work and fraudulent approvals.
Also present at the meeting were the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs Charity Ehimen, and other top officials.
