Fish, Rice Vessels Abandon PH Port

Anxiety has gripped
operators at Port Harcourt Port over the low turnout of rice and fish-laden vessels at the Port as the usual beehive of activities at the Port was lacking.
The Tide reports that even the trucks used for haulage of fish and rice cargoes were all out of operation and that dock workers and truck drivers were also spotted idling away as a result of no activity.
A visit to offices of some of the terminal operators showed no activity stressing that staff there decried lull in activity due to absence of ships.
A transporter who pleaded anonymity told our correspondent that, “we don’t know what is happening. There is general hardship. No money, not even something to eat”, adding that, “his family members were starving as there is no business”.
A security operative at the Port Harcourt Port also lamented the low activity at the Port Harcourt Ports, describing the Port as one that was fast assuming a ghost status.
Chairman, Dock Workers Union, Rivers State Chapter, Comrade Ebenezer Oputa could not be reached for comments on the low traffic of rice and fish vessels when our correspondent visited his office.
A close source hinted that low traffic of rice-laden vessels at Port Harcourt Port may be linked with federal government financial policy on imported rice which may have made importation of rice an unprofitable venture.
A shipping agent who identified himself as Mr Madu, confirmed the low vessel traffic at Port Harcourt Ports.
He disagreed that the government import duty hike on  imported rice is the reason for low traffic of rice-laden vessels.
Madu said that there was cash crunch in the system coupled with non-passage of the budget.
According to him, Indians were at the centre of these businesses and may have been studying the trend to ascertain if rice importation still has the potentials for good business.
When contacted, the Public Relations Officer, Area I Customs Port Harcourt, Mr Samuel Harry declined comments on the development.

Chris Oluoh