Senior officials of Vistaplan consulting, an urban and regional planning firm have explained that the goal of the Oshodi-Isolo Model City Plan is to create a better environment with standard and adequate infrastructure.
The proposed new plan promoted by the Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development involves the evaluation of the level of performance in the area of infrastructural provision, conflict of land uses, transportation, sanitation, security, housing, population, recreation and tourism.
To underscore the importance of the proposed project, a stakeholders’ forum was held by the Isolo Council Development Area in conjunction with Vistaplan consulting, where a senior official of the firm, Dr. Abubakar Olaseni explained that the proposed plan will integrate Oshodi, Isolo and Ejigbo into one vibrant smart city in tandem with year 2030 World Urban Agenda.
According to him, Ikeja bound the Model planning area in the north, in the east by Mainland Central; and in the south by Badagry and in the West by Alimosho. The plan preparation stage for the project is nine months while the lifespan of the Model City plan, is 20years (2017-2036).
Dr. Olaseni said the plan will make Oshodi-Isolo an inclusive, equitable, effective and efficient environmentally-friendly place to live and work, turn the city into a competitive and investment destination for employment, wealth creation and prosperity for all. In addition, he stated, that the project would transform the city into a safe, secured and smart city driven by information and communication technology (ICT).
While asking for optimum cooperation with the consultants from the beginning to the end of the project, especially during the fieldwork, Olaseni assured the people that it would transform the local government into a model city of first choice where they will live, work, prosper and above all enjoy a safe and decent life.
At the interactive session, participants commended the idea, expressing the hope that it would give the local government a face-lift thereby making it attractive to potential investors and settlers. The project is under the control of the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development with Vistaplan Consulting Urban and Regional Planners.
The Sole Administrator of Isolo Local Council Development Area, Abimbola Osikoya said the project was part of efforts to key into the goals and objectives of the state governor, Dr. Akinwunmi Ambode, which centres on transforming Lagos State to a Mega Model-City.
Represented by the Head of administration, Mr. Olufunke longe, he said in the light of the vision all stakeholders in the project, which include; traditional rulers, elders, clubs and societies, business community, youths, and the sole administrators of the three councils amongst others, must not to relent in contributing ideas, giving maximum support and suggestions to meet the expectations of the citizenry, as well as transform Oshodi-Isolo to a true model city.