Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike (right), with President, Integrated Logistics Services (Intels), Mr. Gabrella Volpi, after the governor’s facility tour of Onne Oil and Gas Free Trade Zone, Rivers State, recently.

A maritime expert,
Rev Job Iniabu, has enjoined the Rivers State Government to actualise its promise of revitalising the state owned rivercraft for effective use within the reverine communities of the state.
Iniabu, who made the call in an interview with The Tide in Port Harcourt on Monday said the development is highly welcomed as it would further give the riverine communities and the people a sense of belonging.
According to him, previous governments had denied the people such facilities despite being law abiding and dutiful tax payers, adding that the gesture, when implemented, would give the masses some level of  relief.
He noted that the riverine communities have been groaning over neglect for so long, as governments paid more attention to  road transportation in the state.
The marine expert said when these boats become operational, they would generate fund to the government, ease transportation challenges create employment opportunities for the people of the state and improve commercial activities, stressing that the  of  boats to ply the riverine communities would drastically bring down the cost of transportation in the area.
Iniabu expressed optimism that the present government under Chief Nyesom Wike will march words with action and revive water transportation through the State Ministry of Transport.
He cited the marine transport section of the Ministry at Marine Base as a waste of government assets, as river craft and the jetty were almost in a sorry situation, and called on the government to take proactive steps in ensuring that Marine transportation become effective in the state in no distant time.

Collins Barasemeye