Rivers; How Fubara Plots To Enhance Riverine Water Transportation

By Uke N. Uke

 

Siminalayi Fubara, Governor of Rivers State, has announced that his government will initiate a new plan that will turn around the existing water transportation system in the riverine areas.

Although the Governor did not provide specific details of how his action plan would look like, he said that his administration would ensure that water transportation in the State is efficient and safe.

Expressing his ccondolences, following a boat mishap which occurred on Andoni – Bonny waters early in the week, Fubara vowed to take immediate steps to protect lives and property on the State’s water and sea routes.

He said the loss of lives as a result of the incident was regrettable and consoled the people of Andoni and members of the bereaved families whose loved ones perished.

Most riverine communities in the State which rely on water transport remain cut off from the upland parts despite spirited efforts over the years to build connecting bridges and access roads between the upland and the deltaic or riverine areas.

Not only has there been a decline in the number of boats that ply the riverine areas as a result of the activities of sea pirates and other miscreants, the economic climate has further increased the hardship that water travellers face.

Boat drivers who convey travellers are being increasingly accused of disregarding safety standards that are required to keep passengers safe.

In a statement issued by Bon Oyadi, his media aide, Fubara pledged that his administration would continue to work to ensure that sea routes within the State become safer for travelers as well as, riverine community dwellers.

“I commiserate and condole with families of the victims of the boat accident that led to the loss of lives, and near death experienced by our brothers and sisters that were involved in the boat mishap”, the Governor stated.

“It is indeed a very unfortunate and sad incident”, the Governor maintained, “we pray that, God shall give all of them the strength to bear the loss.”

For those who are undergoing treatment at different points, the State’s number one citizen prayed for their speedy recovery.

“As a government, we will continue to work to ensure that such threats against safe traveling on our sea routes are tackled”, the statement added.

Meanwhile,  the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi has expressed his condolences to the families of the boat accident in Rivers.

He said his heart goes out to all who are in pain at this time even as he prayed for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives.