The Ondo State government has com-menced the clearing of hyacinth and debris on its waterway to enhance free movement of people and goods in the riverine communities.

The clearing exercise which took place in Ilaje and Ese-Odo local government areas of the state, took off from Igangbo and went as far as Agadagba, Arogbo and Pokumo creek.

The state government selected youths from 10 wards in Ilaje local government for the exercise, which was described to be a continuous one.

The Commissioner for Transport, Chief Nicholas Tofowomo, said the state government took the issue of hyacinth with passion, hence a lot of reformation had been packaged for the people living in the riverrine area of the state.

He said it was no longer business as usual as far as clearing the debris on the water ways was concerned as impostors would no longer be allowed to carry out the clearing.

Tofowomo also confirmed that arrangements were in top gear for the construction of a modern jetty at Igbekebo water base to enhance business activities in the area.

The commissioner also disclosed that the ministry would soon organise a stakeholders forum to pave way for further development in the transport sector of the state.

Members of the benefitting communities however, expressed appreciation to the state governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, for fulfilling his promise of making the area habitable.

According to Lijoka Taiwo from Apoi Ward I of Ese-Odo Local Government Area, some of the water routes had become difficult terrain as a result of the overgrowing hyacinth and debris on the water surface.

He said, “travellers in boats often got trapped when the hyacinth blocked the water routes.

Political  sentiments apart, every member of these communities pass through the water ways on daily basis, therefore, we are grateful to Dr Mimiko for not forgetting the people in the riverrine communities.”

Speaking on the development, the director in charge of Inland Waterways in the Ministry of Transport, Pius Omoge, said youths from the area were engaged directly to do the clearing.