By Tejiri Ebikeme
The Delta State branch chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, (NIESV), Esv. Chief (Sir) Efe Appih has implored the state Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa to ensure that issuance of Certificate of Occupancy is achieved within three months.
Speaking in Asaba, the state capital when members of the Institution paid the Governor a courtesy visit, Esv Appih said if this is done, land owners would be encouraged to tender their landed instrument for registration especially for business purposes.
While speaking further on land administration in the state, he equally implored the Governor to review transaction costs to enable land owners maximize the potential of land ownership
He called for full computerization of the Lands Registry, imploring the Governor also to ensure that Environmental Impact Assessment is conducted before the commencement of any project to ensure that people are protected from the negative impacts of developmental projects.
The Delta State NIESV boss described the Local Government Law of 2013 as deficient and required immediate amendment to include tenement rating administration.
He said the Institution was prepared to partner with Government as to how to increase the state Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
He said: “We wish to make just four prayers that we know are within your capacity to resolve. Firstly, NIESV, Delta State branch is in need of a plot of land where the branch intend to develop a permanent site for her secretariat which would be known as NIESV Delta State Secretariat Building. Secondly, the branch has need for a bus to meet up its daily targets. Thirdly, our members should be engaged to deploy their professional competence in other areas of core competence such as Facilities Management,
Property Management Agency and Real Estate Consultancy. Lastly, we appeal that some of our members should be appointed into offices where their professional competencies are required.”
Esv. Appih said members of the Institution were pleased with the giant strides of the administration of Governor Okowa within few months in office, adding that this is evidenced by the rehabilitation of bad roads within the state, the youth empowerment programme, Delta Agricultural Development Programme, prompt payment of salaries to civil servants and the proposed Urban Regeneration/Renewal.
He implored the Governor to remain focused in the delivery of his campaign promises to the people of Delta State.
Responding the governor thanked the members of the institution for the visit, describing it as timely.
The governor who was represented by the commissioner for housing, Hon. (Arch.) Joseph Ogeh, said that government will partner with members of the institution in the area of internally generated revenue as raised by the members of the institution.
He also promised to look seriously into all the issues raised by the members. He promised that government will implement the report of the transition committee.
Government is worried about dwindling resources. We have to look critically into other areas to beef up our IGR, Okowa said.
Highlights of the courtesy visit were the decoration of the Governor as the patron of the institution and and the inauguration of the 2015 Delta NIESV EXCO by the representative of the governor.
