Joel Osaigbovo Aluge, Reporting, Benin City
It is great to hear that Governor Godwin Obaseki’s government is prioritizing the construction of water stops in riverine communities in Edo State. Launching the water transportation system next month will likely improve connectivity and provide a sustainable and efficient mode of travel for residents.
Expanding the transport system in Edo is a positive move towards enhancing mobility and accessibility for residents and visitors. Introducing water transportation next month could offer additional benefits such as reducing traffic congestion and providing alternative, eco-friendly modes of travel.
Obaseki disclosed this while addressing stakeholders during an interactive engagement on the Edo State Regional Development and Benin City Master Plans, at Ovia-South-West Secretariat in Iguobazuwa.
The governor, who noted that the transportation system was a critical aspect of the State’s master plans, said the water transportation system will kick off with three passenger boats in the Riverine Community.
Present at the meeting are the Secretary to Edo State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq, serving Commissioners, Permanent Secretaries, market women, youths, religious and traditional leaders, National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and the Hausa Community, amongst others.
During the engagement session, stakeholders from Ovia South-West and Ovia North-East interacted with the governor and officials from the Ministry of Physical, Urban and Regional Development to ensure their interests are captured in the master plan.
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.”
On the State’s Regional Development and Benin City Master Plans, Obaseki said, “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.
“Today, we have developed our master plan that will guide every area of life. We are here to hear from you and have your input on the plan. Before I leave office, we will take it to the Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA) to ensure it’s signed into law.”
Earlier in his welcome, Commissioner for Roads and Bridges, Ethan Uzamere said, “Planning is very important as it is vital for development and Governor Obaseki with this plan has left a long-term plan that other administrations follow. Planning is important for real development.”
On her part, the Commissioner for Physical, Urban and Regional Development, Isoken Omo said the master plan which is a 30-year development plan for the State, has been broken down into five years to create opportunity for reassessment of its implementation.