Afam Aminu Chimezie, Onitsha
First consignment of raw materials used for the production of tiles and other industrial purposes has left Onitsha Inland River Port ending years of redundancy since the river port was commissioned by former President Goodluck Jonathan more than nine years ago.
The port which was concessioned to Universal Elysium Consortium Ltd witnessed cheers from staff of National Inland waterways Authority (NIWA), Onitsha and other admirers as the first official cargo barge from the port sailed on waters.
Briefing our our correspondent yesterday in Onitsha,Area Manager, Onitsha Inland River Port,Mr.Anthony Yakubu explained that the barge was carrying a consignment of raw materials used for the production of tiles and other industrial goods.
He stated that the port management decided to ferry the goods on the barge which he noted signalled official commencement of economic activities at the port.
Mr.Yakubu promised full economic activities throughout the year and beyond, adding that usage of the waterways was cheaper and safer in view of the attendant risks of conveying goods by roads.
While calling on barge owners to avail themselves the opportunity of assembling their new barges at the port,the NIWA boss further confirmed that boat builders are equally welcomed to use facilities at the inland port as cranes were readily available for port users.
He , however,urged the public to always make adequate use of the port as a safer and cheaper means of transporting consignment to their destinations as security agents always accompany the barges while on the waterways.
NIWA Area Manager further revealed that the management was always conscious of the safety of their passengers and barge owners which he noted propelled the Federal Government agency to award contract for the clearing of water hyacinth along the nation’s inland waterways.
