[READ & SHARE] FG approves dredging of Calabar channel Via @iKanzee_RR

Abuja – President Goodluck Jonathan has
approved the dredging of Calabar channel to
boost the economy of Cross River and the
country.
The Minister of Transport, Sen. Idris Umar,
made this known when he received South-
South and South-East traditional rulers led by
Edmund Daukoru, the Amanyanabo of Nembe,
in Abuja on Tuesday.
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.
The minister thanked the council on the
approval granted by the president for the
commencement of work at the Calabar
channel.
He said the present administration was
determined to transform the transport sector,
saying that government had revitalised the
railway system, which had been out of
operation for two decades.
The minister said that the Federal Executive
Council had approved development of
additional deep seaports which included Lekki,
Badagry, Ibaka and Warri seaports, in an effort
to improve the maritime sector.
He said the present administration recognised
the support and continuous cooperation of the
council of traditional rulers.
Earlier, Daukoru commended the Federal
Government over the contract, and described
the approval of the presidency as gratifying
news.
According to the monarch, the economic
significant of the award of the contract is
enormous.
“The Calabar port is of strategic importance
because it links Port Harcourt, Warri and
Lagos and any effort made to open up the port
will improve the country’s economic growth.
“Any kind of maritime activities in Cross River
generally will be of immediate benefit to the
entire geo-political zone,’’ he said.
The delay was caused by some controversial
issues surrounding the award of the dredging
contract since 2005.