The Lagos State Government has awarded the preparation of Action Area Plans for nine communities across the state to boost growth and development.

The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Development, Dr Idris Salako, said the Action Area Plans would align with the various operative development plans in the state and focus on creating economically productive, efficient, equitable and responsive communities.

According to a statement by the Assistant Director, Public Affairs, Mukaila Sanusi, the communities to benefit from this planning instrument include Ijagemo and Ijeododo in Alimosho/Ojo Local Government Area; and Ijegun-Egba in Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area.

Others are Pota and Ikoga in Badagry Local Government Area; Ise and Ode-Omi in Epe Local Government Area and; Obawole and Iju in Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government Area.

According to Salako, the Action Area Plans would project both the comparative and competitive advantages of the concerned communities by considering the current stage of their development and setting out the direction of change in those communities.

He added that the expected impact of the project was manifold including compact city, great communities, economics and tourism, environment and infrastructure.

Others are social wellness and safety, good urban design as well as governance, recreation and culture.

“These are lower order plans that will address, among others, long-term community development, land use and growth in a responsive manner that will buttress the T.H.E.M.E.S agenda of the Lagos State Government” he said.

While noting that competent consultants had been selected in line with the public procurement law to handle the projects and ensure timely completion, the commissioner said that a painstaking selection process, commencing with the expression of interests had preceded the award of the nine Action Area Plans.

Considering the enormous benefits, he enjoined members of the communities to cooperate fully by providing the enabling environment for the consultants who were expected to carry the people along throughout the process.