Edo State’s Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has announced the commencement of the construction of water stops across various riverine communities in the state. This initiative is part of the plan to launch the state’s water transportation system in the coming month.
This announcement was made by Governor Obaseki during an interactive session on the Edo State Regional Development and Benin City Master Plan at the Ovia-South-West Secretariat in Iguobazuwa.
The governor emphasized that the transportation system is a crucial component of the state’s master plan. He added that the water transportation system will begin operations with three passenger boats serving the Riverine Community.
During an interactive engagement with stakeholders at the Ovia-South-West Secretariat in Iguobazuwa, Governor Obaseki emphasized the significance of this project, stating, “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.”
Regarding the State’s Regional Development and Benin City masterplan, Governor 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.”
The Commissioner for Physical, Urban, and Regional Development, Isoken Omo, explained that the masterplan, which is a 30-year development plan for the state, has been divided into five-year segments. This division allows for periodic reassessment of its implementation.
The meeting was attended by several stakeholders, including the Secretary to the Edo State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq, serving Commissioners, Permanent Secretaries, market women, youths, religious and traditional leaders, members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), and the Hausa Community, among others.
