NIWA pledges partnership with ACWCN on viable routes for riverine transportation

The National Inland Waterways Authority, NIWA, has pledged to partner the Association of Coastal and Waterways Communities of Nigeria, ACWCN, on the possibilities of exploring viable routes for riverine transportation across the Niger Delta and other coastal areas in the country, Fresh Angle International can report.

The assurance was given Thursday May 26, by the Area Manager of NIWA, Warri in Delta State, Engr. Rufus O. Ogbonlato, when the National President  and Delta State leadership of ACWCN paid him a working visit.

While promising a symbiotic relationship with members of the Association of Coastal and Waterways Communities of Nigeria, ACWCN, Engr. Ogbonlato, noted that NIWA and ACWCN can work, “together in making sure the maritime waterways work fast”.

Video Clip of the working visit

He stated: “We will try as much as possible to foster good relationship with your association. We need you like you need us, because you are closer to the coastal communities. Our MD (Managing Director) will be willing to work with you (ACWCN).

“NIWA will do whatever we can do, within our capacity in the dredging of Warri River. I am praying for the glory of Warri to return. The Olu of Warri (Ogiame Atuwatse III) has been trying to woo investors. Clearing of the water ways has been a routine for us. We are trying our best to acquire our own boat. If you know of viable routes for boat transportation, do well to communicate to us in writing”.

Engr. Tuoyo Woligho (2^nd left) Engr. Rufus O. Ogbonlato (3^rd Left) Comrade Nicholas Bawo Ighomi (6^th left) & other members of ACWCN

Earlier in his address, the Delta State Chairman of Association of Coastal and Waterways Communities of Nigeria (ACWCN), Engr. (Dcn) Tuoyo Woligho, told Engr. Ogbonlato: “The idea for a platform or an Association for the Coastal and Waterways Communities in Nigeria, was conceived in the year 2019, by some credible and passionate indigenes of the Area, who felt the pains of long time exploitation, degradation and total neglect of these areas by successive government and their agencies and corporate organizations-operating in this area.

“The sole purpose for this initiative is to Represent, Protect and Defend the interest of the community, also to promote sustainable peace, clean environment and improve condition of living in the Coastal and Waterways Communities in Nigeria, through peaceful dialogue and consultation with relevant authorities.

“Our activities are down to the grassroots, through balanced community representation.

“The association is registered with a duly constituted board of Trustees with the Cooperate Affairs Commission of Nigeria, and as a critical stakeholder in the Coastal and Waterways Communities, it is very important we come to present and introduce this body to you, for your recognition and to parley with your establishment.

“We want to use this medium and privilege given to us to formally appreciate the efforts of the Federal Government of Nigeria and her agencies like the Ministry of Transport, NNPC, NPA, NIWA, NIMASA and others, for the ongoing plans to dredge the Warri-River from the Escravos bay, down to Burutu, Warri, Koko and Sapele Ports. We commend and give our total support to Government for these laudable steps, we also request that the EPZ Project at Ogidigben, Escravos, be included in the next Federal Government Budget for full scale execution. All these, in place will restore social and economic activities back to the coastal and waterways communities in Nigeria and Delta State in particular.

“We want to solicit for your support and request for your consideration in the following areas in your establishment:

“To be in good working relationship with your establishment. To assist in dredging our creeks, water channels, rivers and coastal waterways. To assist in providing speedboats for water transportation for the ease of the local dwellers. To assist in clearing water hyacinth taking over our creeks, water channels, rivers and coastal ways. To consider us in your programmes (Corporate Social Responsibilities) to your host e.g. seminars, symposiums, scholarships, training, skill acquisition etc. Employment in all categories of workers. Contracts etc”.

This Newspaper can report that the National Chairman of ACWCN, Comrade Nicholas Bawo Ighomi, in his remarks, thanked the management of NIWA for the opportunity to rub minds with members of the association.

“The state body, will write for a partnership with NIWA to put up commercially viable waterways’ routes. Issues of shallow creeks and water hyacinth, would be properly addressed with this partnership”, Comrade Ighomi, stated.

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