JOURNALISTS LAUD MIMIKO'S URBAN RENEWAL INITIATIVE

 A consortium of media workers have lauded Ondo State government for initiating, implementing and explicitly maintaining, managing series of urban renewal projects in the state.


The journalists who are from the Tribune, This Day, Guardian and Sun Newspapers gave the commendation during a facility tour to few of the urban renewal projects like the mechanic Village, Ultra Modern Motor Park and Ilula Recreational Park in Akure, which were the innovations of the present administration.


Addressing the newsmen, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Arc. Igbekele Daodu said the Mechanic Village was borne out of the need to concentrate Automobile Dealers who are scattered over the capital city, Akure, particularly those along Isinkan – Army Barracks area.


He maintained that the Mechanic Village located along Ondo road is a pilot project, as the government is prepared to replicate the project across the state in order to promote decency, professionalism and income among the technicians, stressing that eighty bush bars are available at the mechanic village, while a bush bar will make a team of technicians comprising; Motor Mechanic, Motorcycle Mechanic, Rewire and Battery Charger, Vulcaniser, Painter, Welder, Panel Beater, Plant and Generator mechanic.


Daodu explained that various infrastructural facilities like electricity supply, solar powered bole hole, perimeter fencing, car wash, spare part shops, workshops, administrative blocks, restaurants, toilet facilities, testing road and others have been put in place to provide secured, serene and safe environment for the technicians, adding that each bush bar has the capacity to attend to four vehicles at a time, thereby creating a more functional urban city.


The Commissioner said a management committee comprising members of NATA, civil servants and professionals has been put in place to manage the Mechanic Village after commissioning, while the government has employed the services of Direct Labour to ensure a minimal cost of about N150 million, instead of costing N350 million if it had been contracted.


He explained that the technicians are to pay estimated sum of N40 per day instead of the estimated N500 they pay per day in places they are presently occupying. He further disclosed that the N40 is to cater for the self regulatory maintenance system to manage the facilities provided in the mechanic village.


Corroborating his view, the Ondo State Chairman of the Nigerian Automobile Technician Association (NATA) appreciated the government, revealing that members of the association are eager to utilize the place. He added that this is the first of its kind in Nigeria and assured that members will brilliantly maintain the facilities and will be neatly kitted during working operations.


At the Ultra Modern Motor Park, the Commissioner revealed that the government has carried out a form of re – orientation for members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers and he therefore called on other states to emulate the gesture of the present administration.


Daodu explained that the Governor in his caring heart initiative has vowed to put an end to the harsh and uncomfortable environment attributed to motor parks in Nigeria, stating that the establishment of the Modern Motor Park has since put an end to the menace.


Answering questions from newsmen, the Chairman of the NURTW, Akure branch, Mr. Ayodele Abulefi disclosed that the idea of the Governor has put an end to hooliganism, alcoholism and other nefarious activities that are capable of luring members into deviant act.


Displaying his seat tag, a passenger, Mr. Kanu Ogbonor who hailed from Abia State displayed amazement at the nature of the motor park in Ondo State; he appreciated the government and appealed to other states to emulate the gesture.


In a related development, a thick bush which was turned to a Recreational Park by the Mimiko’s administration has been described as a relaxation centre for athletes, civil servants among others after a tedious day job.


The Commissioner revealed that the Park is free of charge, while those who visit are expected to pay for the services they received. He appealed to the public to continue register as members of different sporting clubs at the Park in order to engage themselves.



Ayokunle Ikusemiju,
Press Officer
Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development