ESTABLISHMENT OF THE PHYSICAL PLANNING DEPARTMENT
The Physical Planning Department is established at MMDAs as per Second Schedule of the Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936) and section 185(4) of the Land Use and Spatial Planning Act, 2016 (Act 925).
Strategic Overview of the Physical Planning Department The guiding principles for functioning of the Physical Planning Department are as follows:
Vision:
To become a unique, technically competent and proactive Department, able to contribute effectively to rational development of sustainable human settlements and environmental horticulture.
Mission:
The Physical Planning Department exists to plan, manage and implement harmonious, sustainable and cost effective human settlements and environmental horticulture in the District in accordance with sound environmental and planning principles.
Objectives of the Establishment of the Physical Planning Departments
1. To provide for the planning and the sustainable development of land and human settlements in the District
2. To ensure the judicious use of land in the District
3. To provide the enabling environment through technical guidance from the Land Use and Spatial Planning Authority for District Assemblies to better perform the spatial planning and human settlement management functions.
4. To preserve and enhance the environment through planting and proper cultural practices for green plants including shade trees, shrubs and turf grass.
5. To cultivate and promote research, education and development of horticulture.
6. To enhance quality of life through ecosystem services, production of safe and nutritious food products.
General Functions and Responsibilities of Physical Planning Department
The Physical Planning Department at the MMDA shall:
(a) Advise the District Assembly on national policies on physical planning, land use and development;
(b) Co-ordinate activities and projects of departments and other agencies including Non-Governmental Organizations to ensure compliance with planning standards;
(c) Prepare spatial plans as a guide for the formulation of development policies and decisions in the district; Physical Planning Department Operational Manual 11
(d) Identify problems concerning the development of land and its social, environmental and economic implications;
(e) Advise on setting out approved plans for future development of land at the district level;
(f) Advise on preparation of structure plans for towns and villages within the district;
(g) Collaborate with the Survey and Mapping Division of Lands Commission in the performance of its functions;
(h) Facilitate and participate in research and public education in planning and human settlement development in the District;
(i) Assist to offer professional advice to aggrieved persons on appeals and petitions on decisions made on their building;
(j) Facilitate consultation, co-ordination and harmonization of developmental decisions into a physical development plan;
(k) Assist to prepare a District Land-Use Plan to guide activities in the district;
(l) Advise on the conditions for the construction of public and private buildings and structures;
(m) Assist to provide the layout for buildings for improved housing layout and settlement;
(n) Ensure the prohibition of the construction of new buildings unless building plans submitted have been approved by the Assembly;
(o) Advise and facilitate the demolition of dilapidated buildings and recovery of expenses incurred in connection with the demolition;
(p) Ensure the prohibition of the use of inflammable materials in the construction or repair of buildings in defined areas;
(q) Advise the Assembly on the siting of bill boards, masts and ensure compliance with the decisions of the Assembly;
(r) Advise on the acquisition of landed property in the public interest; and
(s) Undertake street addressing and related Issues.
(t) Develop and promote effective landscape beautification in the district and homes
(u) Maintain and sustain all landscape areas in the road medians, road shoulders and traffic islands in the district
(v) Cultivate horticultural products including vegetables, fruits, tree seedlings and ornamental plants for sale to the public and for export
(w)Conduct routine maintenance of prestige areas
(x) Develop and promote the cultivation and conservation of medicinal and aromatic plant species
(y) Supply tree seedlings to educational institutions on gratis thus encouraging tree planting in schools and communities
(z) Provide horticultural training and extension services to students and pupils from institutions in the district.