Ondo clears water hyacinth, others off shorelines

TO promote water transportation on its rivers and canals, the government of Ondo State has commenced the process of clearing water hyacinth and debris on the waterways that connect hundreds of communities in the state's shorelines.Marine transportation, which is the major mode of mobility among residents of the oil-bearing communities in the two riverine councils of Ilaje and Ese-Odo, is often impeded by seaweeds and refuse from the mainland, particularly during the rainy season.The clearing process, which was facilitated by the state Ministry of Transport in the two councils, took off from Igango and covered as far as Agadagbe, Arogbo and Pokumo creeks, all in Ese-Odo.The exercise, in which 10 youths from each ward of the councils were engaged, according to the Commissioner for Transport, Nicholas Tofowomo, 'will be a continuous one to make our waterways free from obstructions in order to promote social and economic activities of the residents'.The commissioner also confirmed that arrangements were in top gear for the construction of a modern jetty at Igbekebo to enhance business activities in the area while his ministry would soon organise a stakeholders' forum to pave way for further development in the transport sector of the state.The benefiting communities, speaking through their spokesman, Lijoka Taiwo, expressed appreciation to Governor Olusegun Mimiko for fulfilling his promise of making the area habitable.According to Taiwo from Apoi Ward, one of Ese-Odo Councils, some of the water routes had become difficult to navigate as a result of the water hyacinth and debris.He said: 'Travellers in boats often get trapped when the hyacinth blocks the water routes. Political party sentiments apart, every member of these communities pass through the waterways on daily basis. Therefore, we are grateful to Governor Olusegun Mimiko for not forgetting the people in the riverine communities'.Speaking on the development, the Director in charge of Inland Waterways in the Ministry of Transport, Pius Omoge, said youths from the area were engaged directly to do the clearing.
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