Delta State’s riverine communities are still suffering because the government has not fixed their transport problems — even after two years of Governor Oborevwori’s leadership.
The riverine areas are places where people live on or near rivers and creeks, like the Ijaw and Itsekiri people in Warri South West, Warri North, Bomadi, and Burutu. These people need boats to travel because roads don’t reach their homes. But right now, there are no affordable public boats or safe places to get on and off boats.
Traveling by boat has become very expensive. For example, a one-hour boat ride can cost between 11,000 and 20,000 naira for just one person. If a family wants to travel together, they may have to pay more than 300,000 naira! This is too much money for many families.
Because of this, many people cannot visit their families or move around easily. Also, things like building materials, food, and fuel are very costly in these areas because transporting them is so difficult and expensive. This makes life harder for everyone.
GbaramatuVoice, a media group in the Niger Delta, says the government has ignored this problem for too long. After almost two years, there is still no plan or public boats to help riverine communities. The media group has written a letter to Governor Oborevwori asking him to act quickly.
They want the government to create:
- Subsidized (cheaper) passenger boats
- Clear boat routes with schedules
- Safe boat terminals (places to get on and off boats)
- Safety rules for water transport
- A full plan to include river transport in Delta State’s development
The people living in the creeks are not asking for favors—they want fair treatment and better access to opportunities like everyone else in the state.
If the government does not act, the difference between riverine and inland communities will grow bigger. GbaramatuVoice says it’s time for the governor to keep his promises and help the people who need it most.
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