Mimiko kicks offdredging of N1bn Idiogba/Ilepete waterways

Ondo State governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, on Thursday, kicked off the dredging of the over N1 billion Idiogba-Ilepete Waterways Phase 1 at Ugbonla in Ilaje Local Government Area, as part of efforts to enhance access to and promote commerce in the core oil-producing areas of the state.The governor had, two weeks ago, kicked off the construction of the Ugbonla-Erunna Road and the extension of national grid from Akintubuwa to Araromi-Olokola costing the state government about N5.4 billion.The over N1 billion project, being undertaken by Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) and handled by Nigerian Westminster Dredging and Marine Limited, is expected to be concluded for commissioning in the next 20 weeks.Speaking at the ceremony, Mimiko said the non-dredging of the 6.75km canal for the past 30 years, a development which he attributed to lack of political will, had made some portions hardly navigable thus making the waterways the only means of access to the core oil-producing areas until the completion of the Ugbonla-Oghoye Road.This monumental project which is costing our administration over N1billion is yet another fulfilment of our promises to ease water transportation thereby improving commerce and attracting investors to this most peaceful Niger Delta region of the country.The volume of developmental projects earmarked for this area will only become achievable if a good network of transportation routes exist. The presence of a network of good roads and easily navigable river channels will open up this area; make development to be widespread and life more meaningful to the indigenes and investors,the governor declared.Let me emphasise that we have just started the transformational process of the oil-producing areas. By the time we are done, the area will not be the same again. As we all know that without peace and order, there cannot be meaningful development. I hereby appeal to our royal fathers and the youth to eschew violence and embrace peace in the best interest and growth of Ilaje and its environs, the governor stated.
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