Activistar Brings Singapore Landscape Model Closer to Nigerian Institute of Town Planners
The study trip from the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) to Singapore saw professional town planners discussing issues on urban development, public housing, transportation, water, landscaping with government agencies and private sectors.
Singapore, Singapore, March 03, 2011 --(PR.com)-- Singapore being touted as the model city for urban development welcomed 36 fellow Nigerians from the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) for a week study of the planning and developments of the city.
Hosted by Activistar Pte Ltd, an eco-township planning company, the group which were made up of town planners from various departments in the government and private sectors were keen to learn and adopt Singapore’s standards of living in Nigeria.
The program which ended yesterday, took 5 full days of site visits and presentations by various organisations related to the development of Singapore, giving the delegation a fruitful and insightful study experience.
Beginning with a courtesy visit to the Nigerian High Commissioner, Mr.Danjuma Napon Sheni, the group was taken to several important sites such as the Pinnacle@ Duxton, Sentosa, Marina Barrage, HortPark and various organisations which represented Singapore’s success in city planning in public housing, transportation, water, recreational and landscaping sectors. In addition, they were also given an intensive overview of Singapore’s public policy at the Lee Kuan Yew School which offered them an opportunity to the insightful decision making of the Singapore government in developing the nation.
Many important questions were raised and serious discussions were held at the Land Transport Authority, Town Councils, Jurong Town Corporation and even Sentosa. The topics covered the areas of expertise at the respective organisations. The delegates were mainly attracted to the concept of Singapore as a Green City and the country’s advanced standards of living.
Most delegates appreciated all the opportunities presented to them to meet their areas of study with many providing glowing testimonials on the study trip from learning and witnessing what can be executed due to careful and precise town planning practices.
Impressed with the overall concept and ideas behind the planning and implementation of the city, the President of the Institute, Mr. Kabir Yari commented that “The Nigerian group is very impressed with the success in the best practices in Singapore. Nigeria has much to learn about how Singapore can use it efficiently on a small island with many future needs. Our greatest is to learn the vision of the founder and how this vision can translate into realiaty,” echoing the sentiments of the delegates who joined this study group.
After a visit to the water treatment facitility in Singapore, Mr.Steve Onu, Vice President of the NITP added about the study trip,“Very interesting and informative, especially in the area of public housing. On water supply, the Nigerian government should look inwards and harness the abundant sources of water from rivers and treat them for the people’s consumption instead of laying emphasis on boreholes.”
Mr.Simon Gusah who represented the private sector reflected these opinions when he said “All members of NITP group were completely over-whelmed by the Singapore success story. The virtual elimination of poverty and 100% housing for all citizens, made a lasting impression on us all. The level of articulateness of those that made presentations and took us on tours of Statutory Boards etc, was very impressive. It is clear Singapore has a plan, that is accessible, well communicated to staff and citizens and working. This kind of policy consistency over short, medium and long term, is something we Nigerians can only dream of.”
Delegates were also treated to local dishes to enrich their understanding of cultural diversity of Singapore.
Managing Director of Activistar, Mr.Daniel Tay, a town planner by profession, was glad that the trip was well received by the delegation who had travelled a long distance to study Singapore as a model for their country. “We have their best interest at heart to provide a comprehensive overview of Singapore’s strong infrastructure and hope that they can replicate this model successfully in Nigeria. They are a dedicated group of town planners who have genuine ambitions to develop Nigeria and I have no doubt that they can be successful there.”
Further he added, “This study trip was programmed to help more and more developing nations find their direction in town/city planning and to give them ideas on how it can be possible by taking Singapore as an example.”
Activistar works closely with the government agencies in Singapore who support the showcasing of the city state as a model as well as provide opportunities for future foreign ventures. For more information on Activistar and its town planning study trips, please contact Nadia AlBahar at +65 90266054 or email nadia.albahar@activistar.com
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Hosted by Activistar Pte Ltd, an eco-township planning company, the group which were made up of town planners from various departments in the government and private sectors were keen to learn and adopt Singapore’s standards of living in Nigeria.
The program which ended yesterday, took 5 full days of site visits and presentations by various organisations related to the development of Singapore, giving the delegation a fruitful and insightful study experience.
Beginning with a courtesy visit to the Nigerian High Commissioner, Mr.Danjuma Napon Sheni, the group was taken to several important sites such as the Pinnacle@ Duxton, Sentosa, Marina Barrage, HortPark and various organisations which represented Singapore’s success in city planning in public housing, transportation, water, recreational and landscaping sectors. In addition, they were also given an intensive overview of Singapore’s public policy at the Lee Kuan Yew School which offered them an opportunity to the insightful decision making of the Singapore government in developing the nation.
Many important questions were raised and serious discussions were held at the Land Transport Authority, Town Councils, Jurong Town Corporation and even Sentosa. The topics covered the areas of expertise at the respective organisations. The delegates were mainly attracted to the concept of Singapore as a Green City and the country’s advanced standards of living.
Most delegates appreciated all the opportunities presented to them to meet their areas of study with many providing glowing testimonials on the study trip from learning and witnessing what can be executed due to careful and precise town planning practices.
Impressed with the overall concept and ideas behind the planning and implementation of the city, the President of the Institute, Mr. Kabir Yari commented that “The Nigerian group is very impressed with the success in the best practices in Singapore. Nigeria has much to learn about how Singapore can use it efficiently on a small island with many future needs. Our greatest is to learn the vision of the founder and how this vision can translate into realiaty,” echoing the sentiments of the delegates who joined this study group.
After a visit to the water treatment facitility in Singapore, Mr.Steve Onu, Vice President of the NITP added about the study trip,“Very interesting and informative, especially in the area of public housing. On water supply, the Nigerian government should look inwards and harness the abundant sources of water from rivers and treat them for the people’s consumption instead of laying emphasis on boreholes.”
Mr.Simon Gusah who represented the private sector reflected these opinions when he said “All members of NITP group were completely over-whelmed by the Singapore success story. The virtual elimination of poverty and 100% housing for all citizens, made a lasting impression on us all. The level of articulateness of those that made presentations and took us on tours of Statutory Boards etc, was very impressive. It is clear Singapore has a plan, that is accessible, well communicated to staff and citizens and working. This kind of policy consistency over short, medium and long term, is something we Nigerians can only dream of.”
Delegates were also treated to local dishes to enrich their understanding of cultural diversity of Singapore.
Managing Director of Activistar, Mr.Daniel Tay, a town planner by profession, was glad that the trip was well received by the delegation who had travelled a long distance to study Singapore as a model for their country. “We have their best interest at heart to provide a comprehensive overview of Singapore’s strong infrastructure and hope that they can replicate this model successfully in Nigeria. They are a dedicated group of town planners who have genuine ambitions to develop Nigeria and I have no doubt that they can be successful there.”
Further he added, “This study trip was programmed to help more and more developing nations find their direction in town/city planning and to give them ideas on how it can be possible by taking Singapore as an example.”
Activistar works closely with the government agencies in Singapore who support the showcasing of the city state as a model as well as provide opportunities for future foreign ventures. For more information on Activistar and its town planning study trips, please contact Nadia AlBahar at +65 90266054 or email nadia.albahar@activistar.com
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Contact
Activistar Pte Ltd
Nadia Albahar
65 90266054
www.activistar.com
Nadia Albahar
65 90266054
www.activistar.com
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