Ondo begins clearing of waterways
Ondo State Government has begun clearing of waterways across four local governments in Ondo South Senatorial District, to improve water transportation and enhance economic activities, particularly fishing in riverine communities.
Ondo State Government has begun clearing of waterways across four local governments in Ondo South Senatorial District, to improve water transportation and enhance economic activities, particularly fishing in riverine communities.
The exercise, undertaken by Ondo State Ministry of Transport, covered Ilaje, Irele, Okitipupa and Ese-Odo local government areas of the state.
Speaking during the kick-off of the project in Igbo-Egunrin, a riverine community in Mahin area of Ilaje Local Government, the Special Adviser to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Transport, Gbenga Omole, said the initiative was part of the governor’s “OUR EASE” policy aimed at making life more comfortable for residents of riverine communities.
He said the project, approved by Governor Aiyedatiwa in 2024, was designed to ensure free movement of boats and canoes along the waterways of Igbo-Egunrin, Igobi, Mahintedo, Ikoya Akeun River, Obende Erinje, Ebute-Irele and Oluwa River, among others.
Omole said the exercise would also make fishing easier for fishermen and women, whose livelihoods depended on the waterways.
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He noted that the project would support the shuttle boat scheme introduced by the Ministry of Transport and ensure smooth movement of schoolchildren across riverine communities.
“We have put in measure for travellers, security on our waterways. Apart from the provisions from Federal Government through Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, Ondo State Government also has security consultants for our water travellers because even majorly for our water shuttle provided for students, the waterways travellers also benefited from this.
“We are here to carry out the initiative approved by Governor Ayiedatiwa. It is about clearing bushy areas in the waterways in our riverside area to enable smooth movement for our canoe. We do not want any obstacle boat.’’
Omole said the administration of Governor Aiyedatiwa was committed to sustaining the initiative to ensure it contributed positively to the state’s economy.
