A Marine expert in Rivers State, Comrade Kings Dimkpa, has called on the Rivers State Government and Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to sweep the Nembe Jetty to enhance its operations.
Dimkpa, who made the call recently in an exclusive interview in Port Harcourt, said sweeping of the river would encourage more boat operators and passengers to patronize the jetty.
He noted that the neglect the jetty has been exposed to currently has lowered its standard and hence its revenue generation because boat drivers find it difficult to berth, especially during the ebb.
“Due to the neglect (of the jetty), whenever the water is dry, no boat berth at the jetty or load passengers, thereby affecting its operations”, he explained.
Dimkpa, who insisted that sweeping of the jetty would enhance more marine activities and yield revenue, continued that “the current situation at the Nembe Jetty hampers smooth operations by boat drivers, especially when the water is dry, as no boat comes berths at the jetty to load passengers”.
The marine expert, however, lauded the Nigerian Navy and Marine Police for their regular patrol of the Bonny waterways and its adjoining creeks and channels during the yuletide celebrations in the state.
“We didn’t experience sea piracy in our waterways all through the festive period”, he said.

By: Chinedu Wosu