Rivers Warns Against Issuing Cover Letters Without Approved Building Plans

Rivers State government has warned officials of the special committees, compliance teams and taskforces of the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development to desist from issuing cover letters to developers without government-approved building plans.

Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development in the state, Rt. Hon. Evans Bipi gave the warning on Wednesday in Port Harcourt during a meeting with chairmen and secretaries of special committees, compliance teams and taskforces.

Bipi stated that such practices can deny the state government its revenue and encourage developers to build without government-approved plan, which he described as a major cause of building collapse.

He urged the officials to rather sanction such defaulting developers for non-compliance and ensure they process their building plans with the ministry to increase government revenue.

The Commissioner further directed the them to clampdown on violators of thel law banning street trading, illegal markets, motor parks, mechanics, and other unauthorised activities in public spaces in the state, pending the setting up of special committees for that purpose.

He reaffirmed his determination to restore order and sanity in public spaces in the state.

Bipi also urged them to refrain from actions that could undermine their objectives, tarnish the ministry’s reputation, compromise public trust, and portray the state government in bad light.

He also warned them against harassment and intimidation of the public, as well as engaging in unwholesome practices, including conversion of impounded public goods for personal use.