An Indian firm win proposes code for inland waterways contracts for port concessioning

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NIWA boss

 From Benjamin a ameh, lagos

In other to enhance water transportation, the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has concluded plans to launch a Code for the regulation of inland waters in the country.
Meanwhile, to speed up this process, the federal government through NIWA has commissioned an Indian firm, Messrs Green Stratus Consulting as Transaction Adviser for the concessioning of Onitsha and other River Ports.
Managing Director, NIWA, Mrs. Inna Ciroma said that the Code is long overdue while speaking at the just-concluded 2014 stakeholders’ Conference on the economic use of the Onitsha River Port.
 Ciroma pointed out that the Code will also serve as a guide, law on the use of the waterways for operators.
 She explained that the need to regulate the use of the nation’s waterways cannot be overemphasised considering the security challenges that have been facing the nation in recent times.
 Stakeholders in a comminique issued at the end of the forum urged the Federal Government to come up with legal and administrative framework that will help bring to light the enabling environment that will encourage businesses to thrive at the Onitsha River Port.
The conference also adopted the following resolutions:
Commended the federal government for the huge investment on the dredging of the Lower River Niger and the successful completion of the Onitsha River port to facilitate inter-modal transport system for evacuation of both cargoes and passengers in view of the economic advantages; urged the federal government to guarantee safety through an effective round-the-clock patrol by joint Military Personnel and application of other safety measures to safeguard lives and property;
The stakeholders call on the federal government to come up with legal and administrative frame work that will help bring to light the enabling environment that will encourage businesses to thrive at the Onitsha River Port.
They also admonished the Federal Government to hasten the setting-up of the administrative delivery team with members drawn from various related organisations for the quick take-off of operations at the River Port;
while stress out the importance of synergy between the federal government and the Private Sector under a Public Private Partnership (PPP) that encourage re-doubling of efforts at concessioning of the River Port.
Furthermore, they emphasised the need for constant upgrading of Maritime and Port infrastructure to enable the investors take optimal advantage of Anambra State’s expansive coastline in areas of shipbuilding, Dockyard Operations, Metal fabrication, dock labour, warehousing and recycling plants, among others.
Also urges the federal government to be consistent in updating transport Policies to facilitate long term planning and sustainable economic returns for the investors;
They commended some investors that have blazed the trail in transporting their cargoes through the inland waterways and urged them to sustain that choice

While stress out the importance of moving goods and services through the inland waterways which will help to decongest traffic on road and give added benefits in terms of cost and safety.
The event was attended by the Minister of Transport, Idris Umar, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Nebolisa Emordi, an engineer, the Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Emeka Sebondo, among others.

 


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