The Edo State Commissioner for Physical Planning, Housing, Urban and Regional Development, Mrs Isoken Omo has tasked developers in the state to always get building permit before starting construction.

Omo said this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) shortly after a road show to commemorate the 2022 World Habitat Day in Benin.

She said that the state had developed two different Master plans to ensure that the right structures were constructed at designated locations.

She said “You need to get building approval, this will enable you know what type of structure to build at a particular location because the state is planned.

“The state has two Master plans; Edo State Regional Development Masterplan and Benin City Master Plan. The plans are to ensure that we have a beautiful, inclusive and sustainable state.

“Also, prospective land buyers must do a search via the Edo Geographical Information System Office, to know if they are buying a genuine land.

“You should ensure that you are not buying a government land, a moat, a street, a right of way or a land that has an encumbrance”

The Commissioner added that the theme for the 2022 World Habitat Day, “Mind the gap, live no one or place behind”, was apt, as it threw more light on the ongoing state government environmental preservation activities.

Mrs Cecelia Atohengbe, Managing Director, Neighbourhood Turnkey Project limited, who participated in the road show, commended Edo Government for the awareness on the need to have a healthy environment.

Atohengbe, an architect, said “it is important that there is enlightenment for citizens to know that they are part of environment preservation and to be part of the state plan for a beautiful state”.