The reconstruction of the Oron Marine Jetty, an aquatic produce commercial hub, ferry terminal and leisure resort, will be completed by September this year.
The project which is meant to rekindle sea line trade activities and reinvigorate the ease of marine transport services in the coastal area, was flagged off on Wednesday by Governor Umo Eno at the Oron.
Performing the ground breaking exercise, Governor Eno said the project currently provides daily jobs for over a thousand locals here and appealed for support to the initiative.
“You can be rest assured that we will fulfill our part of the bargain to the contractor. And we look forward to coming here between August and September, because we want to wait to receive the ferry, so that we can commission all on the same day. I’d like to take that ferry to Calabar that day, and also come back.”
“We will not have the financial muscle to construct railways without the support of the federal government, but we will construct our waterways, put ferries on the waterways, and that will be our pride and our joy.
Governor Eno lauded Rear Admiral Etop Ebe, Superintendent of the Naval Shipyard, Port Harcourt for his commitment to the realization of the first passenger cruise ferry for the Jetty, saying that contract for the second ferry will soon be awarded.
The Governor added that, “the Nigeria Navy is going to train about 15 engineers that will ensure that they man the workshop so that we can have proper maintenance.”
He said it was divinity that has brought Admiral Ebe to head the Nigerian Naval shipyard at this time.
“And you know that being a son of the soil, God has given you the opportunity to put your name and signature in gold, that you were part of this project.”
Governor Eno described the project as the turning around of the economic fortunes of the people of Oron Federal Constituency, in line with his campaign promises.
Recounting his other projects in the federal constituency to include the ongoing 14.5 kilometers Nsit Atai-Okopedi dual carriage road, handled by HENSEk, the 11 kilometer Oron-Uya Oro Road, handled by Amitec, the Unyenge Road, that leads to the seaport, the Effiong Esang and Ukpong Streets and the 2.9 kilometer Road in Urue Offong/Oroko Local Government Area, which was commissioned last year.
“With your support, we will do more, because we are determined to take development to every nook and crannies of our state. And we are determined to ensure that we end the rural – urban migration.
“That’s why we’re developing all of these rural communities. So please, I’d like to appeal to the youths, to please continue to cooperate with the contractor, so we can finish this project on time.”
“While we know that the federal government will come to our aid, and continue to support us in railways, in highways, and will also support us in our quest for the Ibom Deep seaport, and support us to also get money to work on our ecological site.”
The deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi who lauded the Governor for his love to her people recounted that in the past, Oron was known for being an economic nerve center in the country.
Mrs Eyakenyi maintained that the marine project will catapult the area back to its past glory.
The project contractor and Managing Director of JMK Construction Company Limited, Mr Faysal Harb thanked the Governor for the confidence in his ability and promised to complete the project in the next six months.
The Commissioner for Works, Prof. Eno Ibanga, gave an overview of the project to have steel shore protections, four jetties, a terminal, cool room, and warehouse, a 5,500-square-meter car park that will accommodate at least 200 cars with internal road networks and a recreational center that will attract tourists, with 100% security guaranteed.
Prof. Ibanga thanked the Governor for initiating the project, assuring that he is working closely with the Delivery Advisor Mr. Orman Esin to ensure its timely completion.
Former Commissioner of Transport, Orman Esin, who is the delivery advisor for the project, and the clan head of Idua, Chief Asuquo, appreciated the Governor at the event while Rear Admiral Ebe who commended the Governor for deliberately setting out to develop the entire State, promised to deliver the passenger ferry as required.
Highpoint of the event was a vote of confidence unanimously adopted on the Governor, following a motion moved by House of Representatives Member for the federal Constituency, Hon. Martin Esin, and seconded by Hon. Kenim Onofiok, House of Assembly member for the area.
