by crossriverwatch admin
President Goodluck Jonathan has once again approved the dredging of the Calabar channel to boost development in Cross River and the South South as well as the South East geo political zones.
The announcement was made by the Hon. Minister of Transport, Senator ldris Umar who said that the dredging of Calabar Ports is part of the deliberate efforts of the Federal Government to boost economic activities of the South-South and South-East Geo- political Zones of the country.
The Minister disclosed this when he received South-South and South-East traditional rulers, led by Edmund Daukoru, the Amanayabo of Nembe, in his office.
Umar said the delay in the dredging of Calabar channel had impacted negatively on the economic activities of Cross River and the entire country.
“The delay had also affected the economic fortunes of the area and the entire country. Tinapa Resort, Calabar has been a little bit dormant because of the non-functionality of the channel.
“At last the matter has been concluded and President Goodluck Jonathan has graciously approved that work should commence at the channel.
“The remaining part of the channel that has not been dredged will now be dredged and the Calabar Channel Management Company will take charge of the capital and maintenance,” he said.
He added that the country has suffered enough neglect of its coastal waterways which is supposed to be a veritable means of economic transformation but with this dredging now, he noted “economic activities will spring up again, creating massive employment opportunities in the area and in the whole Country.’’
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