The Anambra State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development has warned property developers across the state against commencing or continuing construction works based solely on payment of an assessment fee.
The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Barrister Chijioke Ojukwu, gave the warning in a statement issued on August 24, following reports that some developers were mistaking payment of assessment fees for building approval.
Ojukwu explained that under Section 19 of the Physical Planning Regulations, the assessment fee is only an application fee and does not amount to the granting of a building permit.
He said the Ministry could also raise administrative queries against proposed developments that violate approved building coverage requirements or fail to obtain the necessary professional certifications from COREN-registered engineers or ARCON-registered architects.
The Commissioner therefore urged developers to obtain the appropriate approval from the Ministry before commencing or continuing construction.
He stressed that a receipt issued for payment of an assessment fee should not be treated as a building permit, warning developers to comply with physical planning regulations to avoid possible sanctions.
