Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara has expressed determination to work with operators of the Bonny/Nembe/Bille Jetty, Creek Road in the Old Port Harcourt Township to streamline measures that will end the perennial fire incidents at the jetty.
The Governor made the statement on Monday after the inspection of the jetty after the fire outbreak that killed three passengers and left many others missing.
Represented by Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Tammy Danagogo, with the high-powered delegation that he led to visit the scene of the inferno the Governor expressed sympathy to those who were personally impacted by the inferno.
The visit of Governor Fubara to the jetty was the first in recent time by the Governor of the state in last 8 years during which the place has been gutted by fire almost on annual basis.
Speaking at the site of the fire Dr. Danagogo said; “Gov. Fubara would have been here himself but was on another engagement. He has directed us to be here to get a first-hand report from us before he returns.”
“We have seen the situation on the ground. We have heard from the maritime workers’ chairman; the complaints and of course the recommendations he has made concerning a quick reaction time in terms of fire service response.”
“We will assess the situation in terms of what has been damaged; the building that has been completely burnt down, the damaged jetty and other items that were damaged. Be assured he will take every possible step to assuage your feelings and loss.”
The Chairman of the Maritime Workers, Comrade Israel Waribo Pepple informed us that the boats that were affected by the fire had been fully loaded with passengers and goods about to sail before the incident.
According to him, the driver of the affected boat has not been found and they were still watching the tide to see if the drowned person(s) will float up from the depths of the river to the surface to ascertain the number of deaths.
A fire broke out at the Bonny/Bonny/Nembe/Bille Jetty on Monday evening, during which 3 persons reportedly died and many still missing with property worth hundred of millions of naira.
Reports had it that the fire started in a fully loaded boat and spread to other boats anchoring at the jetty and other materials like petroleum products, foodstuffs and other household materials.