Speed Boat Owners As
sociation of Okrika in Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State have been given a pat  on the back for building an edifice for the comfort, relaxation and security of passengers and their luggage.
A cross section of passengers who spoke with The Tide at the Marine Base Jetty in Port Harcourt on Wednesday said the project is commendable as passengers would have time to rest before or after boarding a boat to or from Port Harcourt.
According to them, as people who travel by water need such a place especially when they are pressed or need a place to rearrange their luggage and enjoined the association to ensure that the edifice was maintained always to achieve its objective.
They, however, called for more prudent management of resources inorder to carry out more developmental and welfare projects.
A University Lecturer and former National President of Ijaw National Congress (INC), Dr Atuboyedia Obianime  said the project is a positive development and urged them to use it to generate money for more infrastructure because overseas, such halls generate revenue for organisations, and urged others to emulate.
In his reaction, Prince Gabriel Ada said, “The project is okay especially during rainy season as passengers can go in for shelter while in dry season, people can go in there and relax either from a ceremony or going for a function. It will help shade passengers and my advise for the association is to ensure constant maintenance as well as provide block seats for relaxation outside the Hall for tourist attraction.
Also, a female passenger and business woman, Mrs Ibiamina Oweifiye also has this to say. “It is a nice project that will help the masses during occasions like burials, weddings and other ceremonies. Let them maintain it to create employment, generate revenue and give the passengers a sense of belonging while giving the community a facelift.
Mr Belema Iyaye said it is surprising that speedboat Owners Association of Okrika could put –up a magnificent building and enjoined them to continue in their prudent and resourceful management for more developmental infrastructures for the welfare and security of their passengers.
It would be recalled that a speed boat house built by the Okrika Speed Boat Owners Association at the ATC  water front, Okrika was recently commissioned for public use.

Collins Barasimeye

From Left: Mr Vincent Udoye, Head of Maritime Safety and Seafarers Standard Department, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (Nimasa); Capt. Bala Agaba, representative of Nimasa Director-General and Mr Warriedi Enisuoh, Director, Shipping Development, at a World News Conference on “Transforming Nigeria Maritime Industry” in Lagos, recently.