Workshop on LUPMP 11 takes place at Takoradi

Fijai (W/R) Feb.21, GNA - Five assemblies in the Western Region are to benefit from the land use component of the second phase of the Land Use, Planning and Management Project (LUPMP-2), Mr Mohammed Alhassan, a Senior Town Planning Officer, said on Wednesday.

He was speaking at a day's sensitisation workshop on the LUPMP-2 organised by the Town and Country Planning Department for stakeholders at Fijai near Takoradi.

The beneficiary assemblies are Bibiani-Ahwiaso-Bekwai District, Mpohor District, Prestea-Huni-Valley District, TarkwaNsuaem Municipality and SefwiWiawso Municipality.

MrAlhassan said about 20 districts in the Western, Ashanti, Northern and Greater Accra Regions would benefit from LUPMP-2.

He said the five-year project is being financed by the World Bank at a cost of 5.86 million dollars.

MrAlhassan said the main objective of LUPMP is to develop a coherent, streamlined and sustainable land use planning and management system, which is decentralised and based on consultative and participatory approaches to effectively manage human settlements in the country.

He said LUPMP-2 sought to consolidate the achievements of the first phase of the project and would integrate spatial and land use planning into all levels of plans by Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies and Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

MrAlhassan said project activities include human settlements policy study, institutional review, development of Land Use Planning and Management Information System, capacity building and awareness creation.

Addressing the workshop, Mr David Yaro, Chief Director, Regional Coordinating Council (RCC), said the workshop was timely in view of the numerous land issues confronting the region, which posed a security threat and undermined development efforts.

He said the scramble for land without recourse to the rightful owner has come about as a result of the oil find.

MrYaro said the RCC was saddled with a myriad of complaints about Land Administration generally due to the activities of some officials of land agencies.

He said some settler farmers had also complained that some chiefs were double ceding lands to them and to other parties, adding this is a serious concern that needs the efforts of all to bring it under control.

Mr. Yaro said the RCC already had a Spatial Development Framework in place and will work in close collaboration with the relevant stakeholders to resolve these issues.

He called MMDAs to see the framework a guide in the preparation of their spatial plans for development.

Mr. Yaro said, 'I believe that our commitment to adhere to the guidelines set out in the framework is not only a surety for proper land use but also for preservation of land for future generations'.

 
 
GNA