— Govt begins clearing of waterways in riverine communities

By Dayo Johnson Akure

Ondo State government has assured residents in its riverine communities that adequate measures have been put in place to guarantee security of travelers on waterways.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Olugbenga Omole,gave the assurance when led riverine bush clearers to various river side communities in the state.

Omole said that the state government has begun clearing bushy waterways across riverine communities as part of efforts to improve water transportation and strengthen security for travelers.

He pointed out that the initiative was approved by the Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, to ensure safer and smoother movement for residents who depend on water transport.

According to him “We have put in measures for travelers’ security on our waterways.

“Apart from the provisions from the Federal Government which is called Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, Ondo State Government also has security consultants for our water travelers.

“Majorly, there’s security measures for our water shuttle provided for students, but other waterway travelers also benefit from this security arrangement.

The Special Adviser said the government is clearing bushy areas along water routes to remove obstacles that hinder the movement of canoes and boats.

“We are here to carry out the initiative approved by the Governor of Ondo State.

“It is about clearing the bushy areas in our waterways in the riverside communities to enable smooth movement for our canoes. We do not want any obstacle for boats.”

“Another importance of clearing these waterways is to enable smooth fishing and marketing activities for the people.” He added.

Omole explained that several waterways had become overgrown with bushes, making movement difficult for residents who rely on water transportation.

“All our roads on the water that have become bushy have to be cleared for smooth transportation.”

He also said that the state government is working on a transportation policy that would enforce safety rules for water commuters.

The Special Adviser added that the proposed transportation policy, once approved by the State Executive Council, would be transmitted to the state House of Assembly for legislative backing.

“We want to do something called a transportation policy where everybody on the water must have a life jacket.

“This is also a means of empowerment for the youths of this community. They have been the ones carrying out the clearing exercise.”

Omole who said that many riverine communities had been neglected in the past , assured that the current administration is determined to address the situation.

“Past governments have neglected this part of the riverine areas in Ondo State. We have carried out this project in Ilaje, Ese-Odo, Okitipupa and other important areas.”

Reacting to the development, the Chairman of Igbegunrin Mahin Ward 4 in Okitipupa, Adejumo Adeleye, commended the state government for the intervention.

Adeleye said that “We appreciate the Governor for coming to our aid on this waterways clearing. We are asking for more because hand clearing might not be enough; we want machinery for smoother work.

He said that ” This place is close to strong water winds and it has been neglected for so long. We are happy that the government is now coming to our aid.”