Abia: NDDC Commences Dredging Of Aba River |SEE PHOTOS
Afnews Editor
Jun 23, 2021
After several decades of inaction, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) is set to revive water transport along the river following the commencement of the dredging of Aba river popularly known as waterside. READ FULL BELOW:
READ ALSO: EXCLUSIVE: Full list of Ambassadorial posting
By Chimezie Umunnakwe
READ ALSO: A Loyal Force In Abia's Rebirth: Dogo Bende Celebrates Emetu's Leadership And Legacy
[caption id="attachment_106229" align="alignnone" width="720"] Abia: NDDC Commences Dredging Of Aba River[/caption]
Inland water transport which involves the use of rivers, canals and lakes is an alternative means of transportation which remains largely untapped in the country.
READ ALSO: Truck driver in court for dangerous driving, swerving into Osinbajo's convoy
According to the National Inland Waterways Authority, 28 of the 36 states of the country can be linked by water. Unfortunately, only about 30% of these nation's water resources which is about 3,800 kilometers of waterways are navigable.
Several decades ago, the Aba river, a landmark in the Enyimba city, which was originally known as "iyi aza OgborÔÇØ, was navigable.
READ ALSO: Birthday: Emenike Iroegbu Celebrates Ikechukwu Emetu, Praises His Support for Otti's Agenda
The river which empties into the Atlantic ocean served as a trading route between Aba people and some riverine communities in Ukwa and Rivers state.
This economic activity no doubt resulted in the development of the economies of the riverine communities and provided employment for a large number of people especially the youths.
Inland water transport along the Aba river suffered a huge setback as a result of many factors among which is lack of dredging of the river.
After several decades of inaction, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) is set to revive water transport along the river following the commencement of the dredging of Aba river popularly known as waterside.
The project which is expected to be completed in two months, begins at Okpo-la-Umuobo in Obingwa local government area and ends at Igwenga in Rivers State.
READ ALSO: US: Donald Trump Set To Dump Republican Party |NAME OF NEW PARTY REVEALED
The cost of the project is put at 3 billion naira.
READ ALSO: "Wike, a well-known mastermind of outright falsehoodsÔÇØ - Secondus fires back at FCT minister
The project is divided into two phases. The first phase involves the clearing and dredging of the river while the second phase will be the setting up of parks and resort centres at certain places along the bank of the river.
READ ALSO: EXCLUSIVE: Full list of Ambassadorial posting
Mr. Chinyere Igbokwe, the Project Manager of Eastern Volumes Limited, the construction firm handling the project lamented that the Aba river has lost its beauty as it is now shallow and highly polluted.
READ ALSO: A Loyal Force In Abia's Rebirth: Dogo Bende Celebrates Emetu's Leadership And Legacy
Besides the restoration of trading route, Mr. Igbokwe said the project would contribute to the reduction of unemployment, which is in line with objectives of NDDC, the federal and Abia State governments.
"When the waterways were functional many years ago, there was a link between Aba and Ukwa people and even up to Rivers state. If there is no link among the riverine communities there will be no way they can interact and engage in commercial activitiesÔÇØ.
READ ALSO: Truck driver in court for dangerous driving, swerving into Osinbajo's convoy
"If the waterways are opened, it will lead to the restoration of business activities among the communitiesÔÇØ.
He continued "in the next one week, flying boats will ply the river to carry out a test run. We are not just clearing the sideways, we will desilt the river to about 6-10 metres deep so that flying boats and canoes can move with easeÔÇØ.
READ ALSO: Birthday: Emenike Iroegbu Celebrates Ikechukwu Emetu, Praises His Support for Otti's Agenda
The Project Manager hinted that when completed, the project would contribute to the revival of the moribund tourist sector in Abia state.
Lending his voice, an indigene of Ogbor community, Prince Izu Egege, who was elated at the commencement of the project, not that when completed, it would enhance commercial activities and decongest the federal roads linking Aba with neighbouring states.
"The project will among other things, link us with our brothers and sisters in some neighbouring states. From here, it will take 30 minutes to Oron in Cross River State and Opobo community in Rivers State. Reopening the waterways will be the best thing that will happen to Aba in the years to comeÔÇØ he said.
At the time of this report, only one dredging machine was desilting the river at Orji Uzor Kalu bridge linking Ngwa road and some parts of Ogbor hill.
One wonders if the construction firm will be able to achieve their target with only one machine.
Related Stories
GRAND RECEPTION: Massive Crowd Endorses Alex Otti for 2027 as He Unveils Bold Plans to Transform Umuahia | WATCH VIDEO
Chimaobi Desmond Anyaso Challenges Youths on Enterprise, Leadership, Backs Continuity of Otti's Reforms
A Loyal Force In Abia's Rebirth: Dogo Bende Celebrates Emetu's Leadership And Legacy
Birthday: Former Deputy Governor Ude Oko Chukwu Celebrates Ikechukwu Emetu, Offers Prayers for Strength in Building New Abia
Birthday: Emenike Iroegbu Celebrates Ikechukwu Emetu, Praises His Support for Otti's Agenda
REVEALED: Bende Youths Declare Total Support for Alex Otti's 2027 Return, Back Chimaobi Desmond Anyaso for Reps Seat
""
— Afnews Editor