Masterplan: Kano ranks 28 out of 37 in Nigeria – Former MD KNUPDA
A former Managing Director of the Managing Director of the Kano State Urban Planning and Development Authority(KNUPDA) Alhaji Hassan Na’ Abba ,has stressed the need for review of Masterplan for Kano state ,adding that in term of Masterplan “Kano state rank 28 out of 37 in the country
obsoleteness of the first master plan i.e (Travellion master plan) 1963-1983 has left vacuum of 32 years physical growth and development of Kano Metropolis without real direction’.
Alhaji Na’ Abba who made this known at the opening a one-day stakeholder engagement workshop on Kano Metropolitan City Masterplan Review in Kano, stated that “By population 70% of Kano resident live in unplanned areas (HDI undp noted that poorly planned development may increase pollution or even destroy the ecosystems”.
According to him” The fast rate at which Kano is growing coupled with spring up of squatters settlement, slums and other un planned areas, has made the annual physical development more than doubled from 3.4 to nearly 8km per year for the past three decades.”
” In view of the above, there is no better time than now for Kano Metropolis and other urban centres in the state physical growth and development be guided by master plan.”he said
Speaking at the occasion,the State Commissioner for Lands and Physical Planning, Alhaji AbdulJabbar Mohammed Umar, said that the state government has concluded arrangements to review the state Masterplan aim to enhancing commerce, innovation,tourism and overall progress and development of the state.
He noted that the master plan will incorporate modern elements, ensuring Kano remains a hub for commerce, innovation and culture.
He empharsised that” As we review the master plan, we must prioritize the preservation of our historical sites, including the ancient city walls that have stood the test of time, though threat of bastardization and destruction by past government, the current review must consider the sanctity and preservation of these landmarks, which are not only a testament to our glorious past but also a source of pride for our people,” he said
According to the commissioner, the master plan will incorporate modern elements, ensuring Kano remains a hub for commerce, innovation and culture.
“We will promote sustainable development, balancing growth with environmental protection,enhance infrastructure, improving roads, transportation and public services,” he said
However,the Commissioner who was represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary,Town Planner Muhammad Yahuza, described the workshop as “an event with important stakeholders and partners that have come together to discuss, cross fertilize and strategize, to appreciate and chart the way for a new master plan that conforms with modern development, preserving the past and providing for the future.”
Earlier, the Managing Director of the Kano State Urban Planning and Development Authority(KNUPDA),Arch. Hauwa Hassan, said “Our vision is to make Kano a hub for commerce, innovation and tourism,” .
She said the workshop aimed to transform Kano into a “modern, organized, technology-driven, commercially vibrant, investment-friendly, and a tourist-attractive city, with the objectives of
effecting uban renewal by revitalizing existing neighborhoods.
Hajia Hassan also added that the aim of reviewing the master plan was to enhance infrastructure development through provision of modern amenities,economic growth by fostering investment and entrepreneurship and sustainable development through balancing growth with environmental protection.