By Josephine Oguntoyinbo
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The Ondo State government is mapping out strategies towards creating a master plan for Akure city in furtherance of its urbanization drive for the state capital.

The State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Prince Solagbade Amodeni, dropped the hint while featuring on Ondo State Radiovision Corporation’s programme “State of the State”, in Akure.

The Commissioner who noted that the move was delayed for a long time due to the non-existence of Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, said the aim would be to give the state capital its deserving status.

He said the master plan, when completed and implemented would address every form of decadence and lawlessness and create room for functional, efficient and an aesthetically pleasing environment that will attract more investors to the state.

Prince Amodeni added that the move informed government’s decision to relocate all auto dealers in all unauthorized places to the Ultra Modern Auto Mart on Akure-Ilesha expressway except those with approved auto garages.

He added that similar effort had earlier been made to put a stop to the illegal market at CAC Koseunti junction along Oyemekun road in the state capital.

Prince Amodeni stated that the auto dealers had earlier been informed of the move at a meeting held with them at his office, and that they all displayed readiness to comply with the rules as there was enough space and facilities for them at the auto mart.

The Commissioner commended the level of compliance with the directive which he put at 70 per cent, but added that anyone who contravenes the directive would face the wrath of the law as the ministry already has a legal department.

Amodeni said more sensitization and enlightenment programmes would be carried out to ensure that all are adequately informed and educated on the genuine intention of government and the consequence of flouting Physical Planning rules.

He also informed that, government would soon embark on sanitizing the Oja Oba market by ridding it of roadside traders, but this would be done after adequate enlightenment.

He assured that alternative provisions will be made for traders at Iyeoma plaza and Leo junctions after which they will have to relocate or face appropriate sanctions.