Toba Owojaiye reporting
Benin City, Edo State
In a bid to revolutionize transportation in Edo State, Governor Godwin Obaseki, dubbed “Wake and See “, for his silent achievement and “Mr Finishing Strong “ for his crescendo in delivering on infrastructure in grand style, has announced the commencement of the construction of water stops in various riverine communities across the State.
Truth Live News gathered that this move is part of the government’s plan to launch the State’s water transportation system next month.
Speaking at an interactive engagement on the Edo State Regional Development and Benin City Master Plans held at the Ovia-South-West Secretariat in Iguobazuwa, Governor Obaseki highlighted the significance of the transportation system in the State’s overall development agenda. He emphasized that the water transportation system will initially deploy three passenger boats in riverine communities, aiming to provide affordable and efficient means of travel for residents.
The meeting, attended by stakeholders such as the Secretary to Edo State Government, serving Commissioners, market women, youths, and traditional leaders, among others, served as a platform for dialogue on the master plans. Residents from Ovia South-West and Ovia North-East actively engaged with the governor and officials from the Ministry of Physical, Urban, and Regional Development to ensure their interests were represented in the plans.
He said, “Water transportation is the cheapest form of transportation as we are working on how to make the state key into it. We are starting Edo State Water Transportation next month. We are starting with three passenger boats in the riverine communities. We are building water stops in various communities around the riverine communities in the State.”
Governor Obaseki emphasized the importance of updating the State’s master plans, stating that “The plan I met expired, hence the need for another plan. A master plan is not forever; it’s for sometimes. I want to leave a plan for the State that will guide other successive administrations to continue the development plan”.
He expressed his commitment to leaving a comprehensive plan that will guide future administrations in sustaining the development trajectory of the State. Plans are underway to present the master plan to the Edo State House of Assembly for approval.
Commissioner for Roads and Bridges, Ethan Uzamere, praised the governor’s foresight in long-term planning, stating that it lays the groundwork for real development. Meanwhile, Commissioner for Physical, Urban, and Regional Development, Isoken Omo, outlined the master plan’s structure, indicating that it spans 30 years but is broken down into five-year intervals for regular reassessment and adjustment.
The engagement also saw the unveiling of photographs capturing the event, with Governor Obaseki and key officials present, symbolizing the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability in its development initiatives.