The National President, Nigerian Institute of Town Planners(NITP), Luka Achi has sympathized with the government and people affected by flood some states, especially Ogun, Ondo and Katsina that have recorded loss of over 50 lives and properties worth millions of naira.
The institute called on Nigerians that reside along water and coastal ways to take urgent action by relocating to safer areas. Having studied the Nigerian Metrological Agency {NIMET} report which warned that many parts of the country are likely to be affected by flooding in year 2018 due to a shift in the rainfall pattern caused by climate change and also the Nigerian Hydrological Service Agency (NIHSA) 2018 annual report outlook which announced that 380 Local Government Areas in 35 states will experience flooding in year, 2018.
A statement issued by the National Public Relations Secretary, Ashiru Olugbenga Oladimeji charged government at all levels to note that the increase in urbanization and industrialization calls for the need to control and prevent environmental hazards like flooding, air and water pollution etc.
NITP urgently called on government at all levels to implement the Nigerian Urban and Regional Planning Law and prepare development guides for settlements in order to prevent future occurence and achieve sustainable cities.
The institute expressed sadness over the preventable incidents and pray for God to console the families affected.
