The Delta Government says it has approved funds for the purchase of 130 boats to boost marine transportation in the state.

It also said that it had approved the procurement of 1,000 tricycles to enhance intra-city transportation in major towns.

The Commissioner for Transport, Mr Benson Igbakpa, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Asaba.

He said government was determined to provide an affordable and effective transport system in the state.

Igbakpa said the approved boats were made up of 100 big water buses and 30 small boats, adding that approval had also been given for the construction of seven new jetties and rehabilitation of existing ones.

He explained that the tricycles were to replace commercial motorcycles whose operations would soon be restricted to only feeder roads in the state.

The commissioner said the decision to remove commercial motorcycles from major roads was to reduce accidents and criminality associated with motorcyclists.

Out of the 1,000 tricycles approved for purchase, he said 800 would be devoted to passengers while 200 would be strictly for cargoes.

Igbakpa further disclosed that the government would soon take delivery of 150 buses which would include 100 Toyota Hiace and 50 luxury Macopolo brand.

On human capital development, he said plans were on for the establishment of a Drivers’ Institute in the state in collaboration with the FRSC.

In another development, the Chairman, Delta Waste Management Board (DWMB), Chief Olori Magege says the board has initiated discussions with corporate and individual investors in the waste-to-wealth business.

Magege told newsmen in Asaba that the investment drive was part of efforts to process the waste generated in the state into fertiliser or organic manure for farmers.

He, however, identified funds as a major challenge that may delay the realisation of the waste-to-wealth initiative.

The waste being generated in the state, he said, had surpassed “the wheel barrow stage,” adding that there was need to adopt modern and effective waste disposal system.

The board chairman lamented that the disposition of residents toward waste management and refuse disposal was not encouraging.

He decried the existing situation in the state where, rather than embrace private sector participation in waste management introduced by government, many residents had stuck to their old ways of disposing waste.

“The people see the call for them to pay for waste disposal as levy and taxation,’’ he added

He also said government had approved the constitution of a sanitation brigade which would enlighten the people on proper waste disposal procedures and enforce them.

Magege said his target was to improve internally generated revenue while converting waste generated in the state to wealth.