Print Options

For the purpose of achieving its objects the Authority shall

(a) in support of the National Development Planning Commission, perform the spatial, land use and human settlements planning functions of the national development planning system established under the National Development Planning Commission Act, 1994 (Act 479) and the National Development Planning (System) Act, 1994 (Act 480);

(b) prepare and provide for the technical human settlements planning component as may be required by the National Development Planning Commission for inclusion in the national development plans or infrastructure plan prepared by the Commission pursuant to Acts 479 and 480;

(c) provide directives, issue regulatory notices, guidelines and manuals to ensure compliance with this Act;

(d) develop the capacities of the District Assemblies and other institutions for effective performance of their spatial planning and human settlement management functions;

(e) ensure efficiency in the development control function at national, regional and district levels through the decentralized governance structures;

(f) ensure that the District Assemblies in collaboration with the development institutions perform site and service programmes for the purpose of development;

(g) provide guidance on the requisite human and material resources for the performance of the spatial planning and physical development functions at all levels;

(h) ensure the control of physical development in uncontrolled or less controlled but sensitive areas such as forest reserves, nature reserves, wildlife sanctuaries, green belts, coastal wetlands, water bodies, water catchment areas, mining areas, open spaces and public parks;

(i) ensure that the exploitative use of natural resources for agriculture, mining, industry and other related activities do not adversely impact on human settlements;

(j) oversee the implementation of approved policies regarding spatial planning and physical development within the country;

(k) give guidance and monitor District Assemblies and generally advise the Minister on policy options and implementation under the Act; give directives and guidelines as appropriate on development control functions in conformity with the Act;

(m) prepare national spatial development framework plan and evaluate regional and district spatial development frame-work to ensure conformity with the national spatial development framework and the requirements of the Act;

(n) recommend relevant Regulations to be made by the Minister; ensure a continual review, effective planning and management of human settlements and spatial planning policies;

(p) ensure attainment of a balanced distribution of urban population and a spatially integrated hierarchy of human settlements to support the socio-economic development of the country;

(q) ensure continued revision of spatial development frame-work, structure and local plans to guide the development of human settlements in the country;

(r) encourage the private sector to partner the public sector in financing the development and management of human settlements and related physical development;

(s) create a regime that enables District Assemblies to acquire land in order to prevent or reverse depressed settlements;

(t) establish spatial planning and land use database;

(u) ensure the creation of appropriate zoning schemes and also prevent encroachments or breach of zoning schemes;

(v) facilitate the creation of an institutional framework that ensures the effective operation of this Act at all levels;

(w) ensure the establishment of an inter-sectorial approach to decision making in spatial planning in accordance with the development objective of government to attain a coordinated approach to development;

(x) provide technical advice on spatial planning to the Government through the Board;

(y) collaborate with relevant agencies; and

(z) Perform any other function as may be required pursuant to the policy directives of the Minister referred to in section 12.