By Roland Ekama
Despite the free flow vehicular movement in and out of the seaports in Lagos , relevant government agencies have been urged to urgently clear the nuisance refuse dumps and human wastes litering the port corridor.
This call was made known on Wednesday in Lagos by the Chief Executive Officer, Micura Services Limited, Chief Michael Orobosa Ubogu during a chat with newsmen.
Recall that the port corridor have continued to experience free flow of vehicular movement in the last one month courtesy some of the government agencies deployed to the port environment with support from maritime stakeholders.
Ubogu reiterated that the offensive smell and indiscriminate human waste dump may lead to epidemic on commuters and port users if not properly curtailed with immediate effect.
The foremost stevedore contractor lamented that the situation remain worrisome to port users noting that all is not well with the road linking the two seaports within Apapa due to the filth and dirt scattered all over .
Ubogu fingered the Ibafon axis of Apapa – Oshodi Expressway where most of the tank farms are situated as alarming areas where human waste and refuse are commonly visible adding that the evacuation of dumps should start from the location because of the volume of waste deposited in that environment.
The maritime expert further urged government to provide the needed amenities for tanker drivers and their assistants in furtherance to deter human waste , pointing out that most of the service providers (transporters) along the corridor use the road as rest room and toilets, which according to him most be discouraged toward ensuring a healthier and cleaner port. environment.
For Apapa community to achieve the smart port status, Ubogu maintained that cleaning of the corridor must be prioritize to encourage a saner and environmental friendly maritime hub city.
He further commended government authorities responsible for the free flow vehicular movement along the corridor stressing that “It is unbelievable to see vehicles move from Mile 2 to Apapa within just 7minutes without traffic”.
The Chief Executive Officer added that”For more than 15 years I have not been able to drive through from Mile 2 to Apapa through this access road. I have my reservation on this development but if this is sustained I can tell you that the activities in Apapa will be restored.
“If the Nigeria factor did not play out then I will say it is a very good development because it will bring back the beauty of Apapa and business will begin to thrive .”
