By Jimitota Onoyume

PORT HARCOURT— Federal and state governments have been urged to discourage the demolition of houses as it aggravates housing problem in the country.

Speaking at the Nuelmark Development Foundation inaugural lecture in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Dr Iyenemi Kakulu said that governments should rather be actively involved in reviving derelict neighbourhoods and poorly planned areas with minimal loss to society.

Kakulu, who spoke on integrated land administration and mass housing development in the Niger Delta, said government should help layouts that developed as a response to housing demand, with basic infrastructure to enhance quality of life of the masses.

“I believe it is time to revisit existing layouts that have developed in response to demand and with minimal intrusion and destruction of property, provide the basic infrastructure necessary to enhance the quality of life  of the masses .”

Continuing, she called on government at all levels to bring in land dispute resolution mechanism as part of the land administration system.

According to her, land dispute had unsettled peace in communities, led to wanton destruction of lives and property, adding that an efficient land registration system should guard against land dispute.