TWO DAYS TRAINING PROGRAMME ON BASIC PRINCIPLES OF LANDSCAPE DESIGN AND MAINTENANCE
Introduction:
This report provides an overview of a two-days training program held for staff members of the Parks and Gardens Unit. The training took place on Friday 18th and Monday 21st of August, 2023. The training offered the staff of the unit opportunities to visit some of the existing gardens in the municipality to be trained on the basic principles of landscape design and maintenance.
Objectives of the Training:
The main objective of the training programme was to:
- Introduce the staff to the field of horticulture.
- Equip the staff with requisite skills in the landscape industry.
- Know some practical lessons in the landscape design.
Program Overview:
Day One:
The focus of the first day was to introduce staff members to horticulture and provide them with a foundational understanding of basic horticultural tasks. The topics covered included:
- Types of Plants and Flowers: Staff members were introduced to various types of plants, including ornamental plants, and flowers. Examples of popular plant species were shared to familiarize them with different varieties.
- Common Types of Gardens: staff learned about different types of gardens, such as rock gardens, flower gardens, and container gardens. The advantages and requirements of each type were discussed to help staff members identify suitable garden options.
- Common Horticultural Tools and Uses: Training sessions included demonstrations on commonly used horticultural tools, such as shovels, pruners, trowels, trimmers, cutters shears and watering cans etc. Staff members were taught how to handle each tool effectively and understand its specific use in horticultural tasks.
- Starting a Garden: Importance of soil preparation, planting techniques, landscaping and maintaining a healthy garden were emphasized during this session. Staff members learned to establish a garden according to specific plant needs.
Day Two:
The second day of the program focused on practical application of horticultural skills. Here are the main activities conducted:
- Plant and Flower Propagation: Staff members were guided through the process of propagating plants and flowers using various techniques, such as stem cutting and seed propagation. Demonstrations were conducted to illustrate the proper methods and conditions required for successful propagation.
- Nursery Operations: staff members learned how to bag soil for nursery purposes, including preparing potting mixtures, planting seedlings in pots or trays, and ensuring proper watering and care for young plants. This session emphasized the significance of maintaining a healthy nursery environment.
- Potting Techniques: Staff members were trained on how to pot different plants using appropriate containers and substrates. They gained hands-on experience in selecting the right-sized containers, transplanting seedlings, and ensuring proper planting depth.
Conclusion:
The two-day training program for staff members of the Parks and Garden Unit proved to be a valuable learning experience. The first day focused on introducing the basics of horticulture, including plant types, garden varieties, common tools, and garden establishment. The second day provided practical training in plant and flower propagation, nursery operations, and potting techniques.
With these newly acquired skills and knowledge, it is expected that the staff members will be better equipped to perform their horticultural tasks efficiently and contribute effectively to the department’s goals. Application of learned techniques will be used by staff members to improve in horticultural practices within the Parks and Gardens Unit.
REPORT IN PICTURES
TRAINING
The training was held at the Assembly Hall on 26th June, 2023, to train staff of the Department on the Creation and Storage of Spatial/Permit Database, and was facilitated by Staff of the Land Use and Spatial Planning Authority (LUSPA).
Figure 6 Training/Workshop on Spatial/Permit Data Creation
JOINT INSPECTION
Members of Technical Sub Committee of the Assembly embarked on Joint Inspections to the sites of applicants for building permit across the Municipality throughout the year 2023. The inspection findings aided members to take decisions concerning the applications.
The following are pictures of the Joint Inspections;
Figure 1 Members of Sub-Technical Committee on A Joint Inspection at Katamanso.
Figure 2 Joint Inspection by Members of the Technical Sub Committee at Appolonia
Building Inspectorate Unit Activities
Figure 3 Demolition of temporal structures by the Taskforce
Figure 4 Demolition of unauthorized wall built in the buffer of a Storm Drain at Kpone
Figure 5 Routine inspection activity by the Taskforce
UPDATE OF SCHEMES (Jan. 2023)
The department carried out updates for the South OYibi Local Plan (Sector 1&2)
Figure 7 South Oyibi Local Plan Sector 1
Figure 8 South Oyibi Local Plan Sector 2