The long abandoned multi-million naira amphibious excavator (Amphibex 400E) purchased for the clearance of water hyacinth and sea weeds in the riverine areas of Ondo State has been successfully installed and ready to commence work, The Hope has gathered.

The machine was paid for by the administration of former governor of Ondo State, late Dr. Olusegun Agagu and delivered years later but abandoned thereafter.

Updating Government House Reporters yesterday on the state of the amphibex machine, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Tobi Ogunleye, said the machine would soon be launched into the sea for effective clearance of water hyacinth and sea weeds in the riverine areas.

Ogunleye particularly appreciated Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu for his uncommon commitments to the well-being of the people of the state which made him to bring the machine back to life through the manufacturer, Normrock Industries Incorporated, led by Norman Grant, President and Chief Executive Officer of the firm.

“Before Governor Akeredolu came in, the multi-million naira machine has laid abandoned and in a complete state of ruins. I thank Normrock Industries Incorporated, Canada, who helped to retrieve the machine after it had been auctioned off by the Nigerian Custom Service.

Basically, this machine is expected to serve the people in the riverine areas of the state. It is good for clearing water hyacinth, sea weeds, and more importantly, the manufacturer told me one hidden function of the machine-it can be used to blow bitumen.

According to Engr (Dr) Pius Omoge, Director, Inland Water Ways, Ondo State Ministry of Transport, the multipurpose machine for a very long time was in a state of dilemma when the machine arrived at the Lagos Airport, just as he lauded the present governor of the state, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, for paying special attention for the installation of the machine.

Earlier the manufacturer of the Amphibex machine, Norman Grant, who explained the numerous functions of the machine said it is good for dredging and general clearing of river weeds and water hyacinth.

He added that local engineers have been trained on the operation of the machine, saying it is very simple to operate and maintain.

SOURCE: https://citadelng.com/odsg-installs-abandoned-excavator/