…Explains Why Waterfronts Must Be Demolished

As part of its on-going urban renewal programme, the Rivers State Government says there would be no going back on the decision to demolish waterfronts in Port Harcourt and its environs.

Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi stated the position of government yesterday during a meeting with Okrika Council of Chiefs at Government House, Port Harcourt.

The governor explained that after the demolition. government would sandfill the areas to pave way for infrastructural development in line with acceptable standards for waterfront settlements.

The state chief executive, who however, said that the demolition would be in phases gave the assurance that before then there would be proper enumeration and evaluation in the areas to determine the extent of compensations to be paid.’

According to him, already enumeration and evaluation had been done at Njemanze. Abonnema Wharf. Elechi Beach, and Nanka Waterfronts and advised residents in the remaining waterfronts to cooperate with the enumerators and valuers to enable them achieve set objectives.

He also advised the people of Okrika to support the efforts of government to sanitise and develop waterfronts in the state, saying that the policy was the best possible alternative to improve the lives of those living in urban slums.

The governor frowned at the attack on government agents carrying out their legitimate duties at some of the waterfronts, and called for a change of attitude as government would no longer tolerate such.

Governor Amaechi. however promised to redeem his promise to reclaim land in Okrika Local Government Area and directed the Commissioner of Works to identify the areas to be reclaimed.

Earlier in a memorandum read by Chief Tari Sekibo, the Chiefs of Okrika requested that government should re-design and restructure the various waterfront communities with minimal disruption of lives, dislocation of people and demolition of properties.