Assembly now calls for Regional Urban Policy for the Community

East African Legislative Assembly, Arusha, Tanzania: June 2, 2016: The Assembly is urging the EAC Council of Ministers to develop a regional urban planning policy for the bloc to have better co-ordinated cities and cross-border towns and put in place remedial measures to disasters.

A Resolution to that effect was adopted by the Assembly at its Sitting yesterday.  The Resolution moved by Hon Nancy Abisai further wants the Council of Ministers to establish an Urban Development Desk at the EAC to co-ordinate urban development matters in the region.  In order to harmonise ideas and have a regional position on Habitat 111 agenda, the Assembly has urged the Council through the EAC Secretariat to convene a regional position on habitat matters.

The Resolution takes cognisance of the fact that the scale and pace of urbanization is opening up unforeseen possibilities.

“Large concentrations of people and goods providing for increased opportunities for creativity, larger labor markets, and higher levels of productivity, not to speak of the cultural and political opportunities associated with urban life is the norm” a section of the Resolution states.

The Resolution supported by the House also states that urban planning mitigates the impacts of disasters. Policies and programs to reduce poverty can not only increase the productivity of the poor in the region, but can also raise consumption, thereby boosting local economic development for the benefit of all. Cities that are inhospitable to business and that deter investors usually represent even worse prospects for their poorest residents.

In her justification, Hon Abisai says that population growth has doubled in a number of countries in the globe.  The republic of Uganda and the United republic of Tanzania are expected to double their population by the year 2050.  The Republic of Uganda which has a populace of 39 million is expected to have over 100 million in the next thirty four years.  United Republic of Tanzania which has an estimated population of 53.7 million people will see the growth reach 137 milliion people during the same period, according to Hon Abisai.

During debate, Hon Christopher Opoka, Hon Kirunda Kivejinja, Hon Sarah Bonaya, Hon Frederic Ngenzebuhoro all supported the Motion. 

Analysts contend that the recent rainstorms, mudslides and floods in the capital cities of some of the EAC Partner States and other weather phenomena have  exacted a devastating toll on property, human welfare, natural resources and the economies. More than 95% of all deaths caused by disasters have occurred in areas which are mostly unplanned. Among the factors that have contributed most to the damage inflicted during a hazard event is the location of infrastructure and housing developments as well as how they have been constructed, and how land use affects the natural environment recurring natural phenomena into human and economic disasters. 

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