Infrastructure Master planning
for
Akwa Ibom State:
Case for City-State Model
Arc. Effiong Essang
Executive Director
Temples and Basilicas Limited
+234-0802-223-0977
effiongessang@gmail.com
Overview
Generally, infrastructure as it relates to human settlements will refer to those basic services and assets which all development depends on. These normally are the technical structures that support a society, for example, sewage, drainage, water, electricity, roads, telecommunication etc.
A more generic definition of infrastructure is the network of assets ‘where the system as a whole is intended to be maintained indefinitely at a specified standard of service by the continuing replacement and refurbishment of its components.’
The basic characteristics of these infrastructures and their importance in relation to the standard of living of the individuals in a particular society make them fundamental to the development of such society. These attributes includes
· That they are large networks constructed over long period of time
· They have long or indefinite lifespan
· The systems are expensive and specialized/technical planning are necessary before their deployment
In this paper, what constitutes infrastructure will include but not be limited to
· Railway tracks and ancillary services
· Roads, bridges, airports and seaports
· Electricity: Power generation and transmission
· Telecommunication
· Water systems of drainage, sewerages and irrigation
· Educational and health facilities
· Housing
· Oil and gas installations
In the light of the above, there exists a need for a detailed and comprehensive approach to the planning and execution of infrastructural facilities in line with the vision of the executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency, Chief Godswill Akpabio to position the state as a fulcrum in the emerging market of the Gulf of Guinea.
Background
Until recently, Akwa Ibom State, with 31 local government areas, and a land size of 7081 square kilometers, with a population of about 4.8 million(2005), had little in infrastructural development. There were, however, series of attempts at development plans which were ad hoc and politically skewed and therefore not genuinely directed at holistically addressing the establishment of a framework for the long term.Infrastructure - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.html.
The state capital, Uyo, is centrally located and is about an hour drive from most of the local government headquarters. These local governments had at best their individual masterplans designed in isolation and poorly or not implemented at all.
The state as a whole has poorly developed or lacked the following
· Central sewage and drainage system
· Integrated water supply system
· Communication – Data network
· Road and Rail transportation network
· Seaports
· Power generation etc.
These inadequacies call for an integrated masterplan for the whole state as a unit operating as a single system in order for it to reach its full potential.
This approach is a well and tested development model successfully implemented in the developing economies of the Far East, South America and the Middle East as well as in the developed nations of the west.
City-State Model
In preparing the blueprint for the infrastructural development for Akwa Ibom State, the emphasis will be in the integration of the components of infrastructure into a masterplan where the state is designed as a single system, thereby creating an efficient and self sustaining environment in harmony with the vision of the state governor. The primary aim is to jumpstart the state as an investor destination in the Gulf of Guinea.
The geography of Akwa Ibom State is such that in the medium term the constituent cities will merge developmentally considering the land mass and the rate of population growth thereby creating incoherent development. A classic example of this problem can be found in Port Harcourt; where in the past twenty five years the city has grown, and has merged with adjoining local government areas and the result is a grotesque representation of human habitation. This distortion in development can also be seen in Lagos and Abia states among others.
Our model seeks to provide a document that projects a 50- year minimum infrastructural requirement of the state, subject to periodical reviews. This document when finally developed will have a legal/legislative backing to ensure compliance and continuity during different administrations.
A proposal for a 15 years infrastructural development program is recommended, during which estimated costs would be known and contracts awarded. The infill zones of residential, industrial, commercial, entertainment hubs etc. can now be phased and developed as per growth requirements. Alternatively, a phased development of the approved masterplan can be commenced, in which case the infrastructures can be developed based on a timeline scheduled to harmonize with growth requirements. In all cases, the development of the masterplan will be strictly enforced and adhered to.
The official Master Plan provides a vision of the future of the state and a policy framework to guide its physical development to the year 2020 and beyond. This document provides the basis for the planning and approval of infrastructure services to be carried out by the state in support of future growth.
When completed the Master Plan is to be updated every 5 years. It will be a gazetted, public document backed by law. As the master plan forms the basis for all development control decisions, it provides businesses the certainty crucial to business ventures and investments.
CONCLUSION
The need for a long term comprehensive master planning for Akwa Ibom State in which the State is taken as a city or region cannot be over emphasized. This coupled with the expressed vision of the Executive Governor of the State, His Excellency, Barr. Godswill Akpabio to transform the State into a world class destination for investors and visitors lead us to suggest as follows:
· The setting up of State Infrastructure Regulatory and Concession Agency or Commission.
· The production of a master plan for the whole state inclusive of all infrastructural needs of the State for the next 50 years.
· A legal backing or gazette for the master plan
· A moratorium on all new infrastructural contract awards until the adoption of the masterplan.
Thank you.
Arc. Essang.
