NIWA Threatens To Arrest Persons ,Organizations Engage In Wrecks Cutting

The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), has  threatened  to arrest persons, organisations engaging in cutting of wrecks in Delta and Edo states respectively.

The waterways agency has also given a 14-day ultimatum to  owners of sunken vessels and abandoned equipment within right of way of the authority  to remove the wrecks with effect from Thursday May 2.

According to a release  by NIWA Area Manager, Engr. Tammy Fiberesima, owners of the wrecks or equipment are advised to visit the Warri Area Office of NIWA at Warri Dockyard within the stipulated period, with requisite requirements for identification and certainty of ownership, to facilitate removal as well as evacuation of the wrecks.

NIWA has also expressed concern over “the unauthorised, reckless salvaging and cutting within the waterways in Edo and Delta States,” which constitute serious danger to waterways users.

”In order to prevent loss of lives as a result of the illegal activities, the agency has vowed to commence arrest and prosecution of persons and organisations engaging in salvaging and cutting of scrapings of wrecks within the authority’s right of way in Delta and Edo states without permission,” the statement said.

The agency maintained that it is the only government agency vested with the powers to remove, receive and dispose wrecks within its declared right of way.