Mbidoaka Livinus
Members of the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors (NIS), Imo State Branch, have called for stronger collaboration with the Imo State Government in the areas of mapping, urban development, flood prevention, and digitization of land records.
The call was made during a courtesy visit to the Honourable Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Physical Planning, Chief Enyinna Onuegbu, in Owerri.
Speaking during the visit, the Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors, Imo State Branch, Chief Peter Nwokocha, commended the administration of Governor Hope Uzodimma for what he described as giant strides in repositioning the surveying profession in the state.
He listed some of the achievements of the government to include the employment of over thirty young survey graduates, procurement of modern surveying equipment, provision of official vehicles for the Office of the Surveyor General, and the establishment of a Land Information System (LIS) for the state.
According to him, the Institution deemed it necessary to appreciate the Governor for his commitment towards improving the profession and enhancing infrastructural development across the state.
Nwokocha further stated that the proposed remapping of Imo State had become necessary, noting that the last comprehensive mapping of the state was carried out about forty-six years ago.
He explained that updated mapping would enable government to have accurate data on the present condition of towns, villages, roads, water bodies, and other physical infrastructure, thereby improving planning, taxation, resource management, and urban development.
The NIS Chairman also stressed the need for the revalidation and digitization of existing survey plans in both government archives and private cadastral records to support the Land Information System currently being developed by the state government.
He added that surveyors in the state were ready to partner with government in setting standards for proper building setting-out and utility planning to help curb building collapse and public health hazards.
On flood control, Nwokocha noted that surveyors were willing to assist government in mapping and delineating primary drainage routes across the state to aid flood prevention and environmental planning.
The NIS Chairman further expressed gratitude to the state government for appointing an experienced surveyor, Mr. Gerald Edih, to provide leadership within the government surveying system.
According to him, “Nature abhors vacuum, and we are grateful that government acted promptly in appointing a competent and experienced surveyor to fill the gap in leading government surveyors in the state.”
He assured that the Surveyors Council of Nigeria (SURCON) and members of the profession in the state would be ready and willing to work with Mr. Gerald Edih or anyone eventually appointed as substantive Surveyor General of the state.
Responding, the Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Physical Planning, Chief Enyinna Onuegbu, thanked the surveyors for appreciating Governor Hope Uzodimma for his efforts in uplifting the surveying profession in Imo State.
Chief Onuegbu acknowledged the Governor’s support through the recruitment of young surveyors and the provision of ultra-modern surveying equipment aimed at bringing the agency in line with global best practices and modern standards.
The Commissioner, however, urged members of the profession to remain united and work together in peace and harmony for the advancement of surveying practice in the state.
He admonished them to close ranks and ensure adequate unity and cooperation among themselves, stressing that a peaceful and united professional body would be better positioned to contribute meaningfully to the development of Imo State.
The visit also featured discussions on possible areas of partnership between the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors and the Imo State Government in land administration, urban planning, environmental management, and digital mapping initiatives.
Those present during the visit included Surv. C. I. Nwabichie, Chairman, Body of Fellows, Imo State; Surv. Ezeonyeasi Ekene Ken, APPSN Chairman; Surv. Dr. Anyadiegwu P.C., Secretary, Nigerian Institution of Surveyors, Imo State Branch; Ven. Prof. A.C. Chukwuocha; Surv. Joe Odey, Secretary, Body of Fellows; Surv. Gerald Edih, Acting Surveyor General of Imo State, amongst others.
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