THE Nigerian Institution of Surveyors has said the increasing demand for urban lands in Abuja and other major cities for mixed development has led to encroachment and conversion of fragile and recreational land for residential purposes.
This was part of the fallout of the 57th Annual General Meeting of the institute held in Abuja recently.
The President of NIS, Ibitoye Olomolatan, who read the communique of the meeting, stated the government and citizens’ neglect of surveying caused the recent flooding incident at Trademore Estate, Abuja.
He that layout altercations and other changes in land use were contributing to several environmental challenges and climate change.
He noted, “Demand for urban lands to accommodate various development uses over the years have made layouts in our cities experience utility corridor encroachment and conversion of fragile lands and recreational parcels for other uses.
“The rapid growth of Abuja municipal and other cities in the country coupled with lack of comprehensive studies to monitor, analyse and detect the land use changes has affected effective decision making related to land conversion and sustainable development.”
Olomolatan linked the recent flooding incident in Trademore Estate, Abuja to the government’s approval to build on low terrain and the lack of a quality drainage system.
He further advised prospective buyers not to purchase land during the dry season as its problem may not be easily detectable.
