A town planning consultant, Mrs Catherine George, has said that lack of data is a major constraint to town planning and urban development in Nigeria.

George told newsmen yesterday in Lagos that it was difficult to plan a project without data.

“You have to know what is on ground before you can make a plan and what are the things needed to meet the population growth,” she said.

George commended the Lagos State Government for the commissioning of the Digital Mapping/Geographic Information System project.

She said that the project, which should be emulated by other states, would provide planners with accurate data for all parts of Lagos State.

“We now have data available for every part of Lagos State but most states in the country are still lagging behind.

“The government of these states should emulate the government of Lagos State by establishing a data project centre for proper planning to be effected,” she said.

George also said that proper town planning was an essential aspect of development of infrastructure.

“If town planning is properly embraced and implemented, it will improve many aspects of our national development such as reducing slum settlement and migration.

“In developed countries, town planners are held in high esteem and are always busy developing new plans or improving the functionality of old plans,” she said.

George urged governments at all levels to place more emphasis on the implementation of the various plans in their possession.

“We have town planners and lots of plans have been produced over the years but not all are implemented.

“I think it’s very important to continue to insist that government implement the plans in good time through budgetary provisions and periodic plan revision to address shortcomings” she said.