The Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP), Oyo State Chapter identifies with Oyo State Government on the recent global outbreak of novel Corona Virus, otherwise known as COVID-19. It has been observed that the deadly virus has ravaged more than 179 countries of the world with varying degrees of havoc wrecked across the affected countries.
The Chairman of the Institute TPL Adeyemo Olajide Kamoru (JP) commends the efforts of Governments both at the Federal and State levels and the front-line Health workers at curtailing and containing further spread of the Virus in Nigeria coupled with other palliative measures put in place.
Tpl. Adeyemo, Kamoru commiserates with the government and families of the victims of COVID-19 while wishing those under medical care a speedy recovery, prays God will give families of the deceased the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
While applauding various precautionary measures put in place by the Government which include quarantine, physical distancing, travel ban, stay home order among others. We note that government’s immediate concern at tackling spread of COVID-19 equally requires giving priority and prominent attention to Physical Planning of our towns and cities across the country.
Oyo State Chapter of Nigerian Institute of Town Planners notes that modern day planning actually owes its origin to the Public Health Legislation following the outbreak of Bubonic Plague disease in the country (1924 – 1931). Adequate physical distancing are integral parts of Urban and Town Planning Regulations and basis for development control. If there has ever been a time in human history that issues of Urban and Regional Planning will receive urgent attention in order to bring about desired living environment, it is no other time than now when the Nation is faced with COVID-19 pandemic.
The Institute however, urges the Government to embrace initiation, preparation and implementation of various strategic development plans as a step to fixing Urban Planning problems. For example Urban Renewal strategy can be employed to address urban slums in the country. Slum dwellers are more prone and vulnerable to any disease outbreak including the novel COVID-19 which is currently ravaging the whole world. It is apparent that physical distancing in slum areas becomes practically difficult, if not impossible, because of the way and manner the environment is structured manifesting congestion, overcrowding and unpleasantness.
Urban Renewal as a solution to Urban decay lies in holistic mobilisation of resources, demonstration of political will, socio economic intervention, urban planning as well as provision of adequate social services to improve living conditions of Nigerian people thereby repositioning their environment for sustainable development.
Oyo State Chapter of Nigerian Institute of Town Planners advises the citizens of Oyo State to join hands with the State Government in tackling the deadly virus {COVID-19}, stay safe, keep and maintain physical distance, wash hands frequently and regularly. Above all abide by the Town Planning Laws/Regulations in the state.
