Rivers State Warns Against Issuing Cover Letters Without Approved Building Plans
The Rivers State government has issued a stern warning to officials of special committees, compliance teams, and taskforces within the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, urging them to refrain from issuing cover letters to developers without government-approved building plans.
The warning was issued by the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Rt. Hon. Evans Bipi, during a meeting in Port Harcourt on Wednesday with the chairmen and secretaries of these committees. Bipi stressed that such practices not only hinder the state government’s revenue generation but also enable developers to engage in unsafe construction practices, contributing to building collapses.
He emphasized that instead of issuing cover letters, officials should ensure that developers are properly sanctioned for non-compliance and are made to process their building plans with the ministry, thereby improving government revenue and ensuring safer construction practices.
In addition, the Commissioner instructed the officials to intensify efforts to enforce the law banning street trading, illegal markets, unauthorized motor parks, mechanics, and other unlawful activities in public spaces across the state, until special committees for these purposes are established.
Bipi reiterated his commitment to restoring order and discipline in public spaces within the state, and called on officials to avoid actions that could undermine the ministry’s objectives, tarnish its reputation, or erode public trust. He further warned against harassment or intimidation of the public and the misappropriation of impounded public goods for personal use.
The Commissioner emphasized that the administration is focused on ensuring strict adherence to urban development laws, promoting safety, and fostering public confidence in the state government’s commitment to sustainable development.
