Oyo to embark on digital perimeter mapping

The Deputy Governor, Oyo State, Mr. Moses Alake, has said the government will commence the digital mapping of the state’s boundaries this year, with provisions already made for that purpose in the 2014 budget.

The deputy governor was reacting to the call by the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors, which said the exercise was long overdue in the state.

Chairman of the state’s chapter of the institution, Mr. Ola Shiyanbola, said during digital mapping would be of great benefit to the government and the people of the state considering the products of such an exercise.

He said, “This is a surveying technology that will produce a map that gives accurate boundary of the state. In Nigeria, we have other states that have done their own. It will eliminate conflicts over perimeter and other land issues, and aid planning and rapid growth.

“Surveying is the bedrock of all physical developments in the society and we urge the state to take advantage of the positives that this technology offers.”

Shiyanbola advised the state government to review the perimeter data every five years.

Alake, who was a special guest at the institution’s annual dinner and award ceremony, pointed out that the state was aware of the advantages of digital mapping and that all equipment needed to execute the project had already been provided by the government.

He said, “The state government is committed to bringing development to the people and embracing modern trend. We are aware of digital planning and provision is already made for its commencement this year.

“The last flooding in the state could be traced to inadequate planning for natural disasters, but the state is ready to collaborate with relevant agencies in its effort to check such disasters in the future.”