A modern jetty project initiated by the Akwa State Government, located in the Coastal town of Oron and expected to be completed by December will boost maritime activities, create jobs and facilitate water transportation to Cross River State, Aniekan Umanah, Commissioner for Information, has said.
The Oron beach which has been a thriving centre of maritime business and ferry transportation between Akwa Ibom and Cross River States suffered a neglect following the construction of the Calabar-Itu highway in the 1980s.
However, with the deplorable condition of the highway, interest in ferry services, has been rekindled as business travellers prefer the short distance between the two States by engine-powered boats.
Speaking in his Office, Umanah stated that the value of blue economy could not be underestimated, adding that with maritime infrastructure as envisaged by the State Government would bring enormous benefits in terms transportation, storage, maritime access, explaining that “there is so much coming out of the blue economy.
“We are developing the blue economy, the maritime corridor in oron, a great vision of the State Government meant to improve the quality of life of the people.”
According to him, the jetty project when completed will ensure an efficient maritime economy, booming maritime transportation and a booming maritime ecosystem.
He said the maritime infrastructure being built would aid the commercial jetties that would be launched soon including facilities for security agencies to guarantee a booming maritime economy.
He disclosed that two ferries had been ordered by the State Government to facilitate maritime transportation between Oron and Calabar in Cross River State.
Earlier, Project Manager, Ime Ikono, told journalists on tour of the project that apart from the jetty project, the State Government was also embarking upon the shoreline protection project to prevent the shoreline from being washed off by the tidal waves.
“Ikono, who lauded the State Government for such a gigantic project, which he described as a mini-seaport, said given adequate funding, the project would be completed in December this year, adding that over 90% of the job had been completed.
“I want to commend the Governor for having the creativity to initiate this project, we are working towards its completion by December, it will have, serious economic benefit, open up tourism, reduce the transport cost of travelling to calabar by road and maritime economy.
“We are also trying to carry out the protection of the shore from being washed away by the waves. We are also going to have a joint task force office mainly for security within the jetty.’’ he said.
