Obaseki launches new masterplans, proposes alternative sources of power, airport, rail lines

Governor Obaseki during the launching of the Edo State Regional Development Plans and the Benin City Master Plans.

 By Jethro Ibileke 

 

Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo on Tuesday proposed solar energy and hydropower plants as alternative sources of electricity under the new Edo State Regional Development Plans and the Benin City Master plans.

The Governor who disclosed this in his speech during the launching of the Edo State Regional Development Plans and the Benin City Master Plans in Benin City, said the move was to cater for the power needs of the people of the state.

According to him, the master plans will commence operations in 2023 and will end in 2053.

This is even as he disclosed that a new Airport is being proposed to be built in Auchi and rail lines while new cities such as Coral City are to be developed in Benin City, Auchi and Ekpoma.

The two masterplan, he said, were developed by the state government in partnership with Siraj Nigeria Limited under the supervision of the State Ministry of Physical Planning, Housing Urban and Regional Development.

He described the master plans as living documents, and subject to review every five years.

He noted that they would be infused into the primary and secondary school curriculums.

The Governor added that his administration would be leaving behind the documents for successive administrations to work on, even as he noted that his government was not privileged to inherit any such documents from his succession.

Obaseki said the masterplans bequeathed to the state by the past administrations elapsed in 2012, adding that the new masterplans have a 30-year lifespan.

Speaking earlier, the State Commissioner for Physical Planning, Housing Urban and Regional Development, Isoken Omo, disclosed that a total of 22,000 properties were visited during the planning exercise, while 27 consultations were held with stakeholders

Omo who noted that the reviewing of the existing masterplans was participatory, noted that it would encourage local governments to focus on areas of their comparative advantage for development.

According to her, the Edo State Regional Development and Benin City Masterplans cover all the 18 Local Government Areas of the State.

“The success of the masterplans is dependent on the collective efforts of indigenes and residents of Edo State.

“The masterplans will determine the location of public infrastructure, such as roads, schools, hospitals, water and power.

“It will promote innovation and entrepreneurship by creating a supportive environment for startups and small businesses across the state,” she added.