The Lagos State Government has expressed the confidence that the Model City Plan for Lagos Island will propel the development of the former capital territory.

This came to the fore during the inauguration of the Technical Committees for the preparation of Lagos Island Model City Plan by the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr ldris Salako.

Salako said the proposed Lagos Island Model City Plan was envisaged to position the area for the achievement of the THEMES Agenda of the government, particularly the Making Lagos a 21st Century Economy pillar.

He added that the plan would address sectoral and spatial issues engendered by population explosion as it would, ultimately, serve as a guide regarding land uses and approval orders among other planning parameters.

He explained that the Technical Committee, consisting members from various Ministries, Departments and Agencies would help drive the preparation of the Plan.

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According to the Commissioner, Lagos Island was one of the two remaining urban settlements in the state that were yet to  be covered with a planning document to guide the present and future growth of the state; the second being Kosofe, that the Model City Plan was in progress.

He said the preparation of the Lagos Island Model City Plan would bring benefits including, directing growth in the right direction and ensuring efficient land use and development.

“A Model City Plan for Lagos Island is essential to create a sustainable, organised,livable, business and tourism friendly environment as well as manage future growth. It will unlock potentials embedded in the huge waterfront assets and develop a framework that will allow Lagos Island to harness its strategic position in the state”, he said.

Noting that the plan represented hope for the reenactment of the glory of Lagos Island, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Urban Development, Ganiyu Adele Ayuba urged members of the technical committee to view the assignment as a clarion call to serve the state by providing the needed information and technical advice to assist the Consultant in meeting the desired aim of the project .

Speaking on behalf of Dar Al-Handasah Consultants Limited, the Planning Consultants of the Model City Plan, Muhammed Ramadan, implored members of the committee to assist in enriching the Lagos Island Model City Plan with their technical input.