Re-define roles of planners - Minister

Aburi (Eastern Region), 9 March '99 -

Mr Cletus Avoka, Minister of Environment, Science and Technology (MEST), on Monday urged the Town and Country Planning Department to gear itself up and not to be overtaken by the many developments in the social and economic sectors. Mr Avoka, addressing a five-day review conference of regional heads and metropolitan directors in Aburi said the department appears to have been overtaken by current socio-economic events. "Developments all over the country seem to be preceding planning rather than the reverse." He told the planners not to be surprised at the current trend of events, if they fail to be responsive to what is happening around them "other agencies are taking over or competing with you in respect of the function you are expected to perform in society". These agencies may not be performing functions, which will satisfy planning officers, but, however, it may be satisfying the needs of society. "You must ensure that you perform your task as professionals with initiative and vision." Mr Alex Avulete Tamakloe, acting director of the Department, said the law courts have also contributed to the land acquisition and encroachment problems due to the numerous injunctions. He called for a land policy that would make all utility providers inspect land plans and permits before providing such services.