Gridlock: Rivers to Explore Marine Transportation

By Adedapo Adesanya

In order to reduce traffic congestion, the Rivers State Government has announced plans to open up marine transportation in the state.

This came as the state government shutdown Creek Road in old Port Harcourt Township owing to vehicular and human traffic since last Monday.

Equally, the state government has also barred boat operators from using the Bonny-Bille Jetty.

Explaining the lines of action, the Rivers State Commissioner of Transportation, Mr Osima Ginah, said this will allow a proper cleanup of the area and completion of the construction work in multi-million naira ultra-modern Bonny-Bille jetty.

Mr Ginah said the state government has provided alternative jetties for water travellers using the Bonny-Bille jetty. These include – the Abonnema Wharf jetty, Tourist Beach, Borokiri Sandfill and Marine Base jetty.

He said ultimately, the government will improve facilities in jetties across the state and ensure the smooth running of the jetties.

“The closure is necessary to carry out this operation. The Bonny-Bille and Nembe jetty was in a very bad shape. The riverine communities that are using that jetty cried out and the governor intervened, awarded the contract and then rebuilt that jetty.

“The jetty has not been inaugurated; the people, traders and boat operators using the jetty are therefore not keeping it in good order.”