RVHA: TOURISM BILL GETS TO COMMITTEE STAGE

RVHA: Tourism bill gets to committee stage
 

The Rivers State House of Assembly has committed the state Tourism Development Commission bill 2008, to the committee stage after heated.

The bill which is a private members bill, sponsored by Hon. Onari Brown (Akuku-Toru I) seeks, among other things, to establish a board that would create an enabling environment for residents and non-residents of the state to patronise the services of the Hotel and other hospitality outlets in the state.

The bill will also encourage the provision and improvement of tourism facilities within the stat including the development of the Hotel industry and ancillary facilities as well as to promote and undertake research in the field of tourism and related activities kick-starting the debate, Hon, Golden Ngozi Chioma (Etche II) lauded the intellectual prowess of the sponsor of the bill noting that when it becomes law it would improve the social environment in the state.

The lawmaker added that the bill would capture the idle minds in the state as it would enhance the economic base of the state.

Other lawmakers who supported the bill include, Hon Maureen Tamuno (Ogu/Bolo), Hon Nnamdi Ihunte (Oyigbo), Hon Chidi Llyod (Emohua). Others are Hon. Ogbonda Jones (Phalga I). They were of the opinion that the bill will help to preserve the cultural heritage of the state as well as provide employment opportunities to the unemployed youths in the state.

The lawmakers urged their colleagues to support the bill and give it quick passage to enable the state benefit from its desired objectives.

However, in opposition to the bill, Hon. Totenaan Ogiri (Abua/Odual), Victor Ihunwo (Phalga II) and Hon. Micheal Ibinabo West (Asalga II) said that the security situation of the state is not conducive for establishment of such board.

The lawmakers were of the opinion that instead of establishing such a commission that would amount to wastage of public funds the state ministry of Culture and Tourism should be empowered and strengthening to do their job.

The honourable members opined that if the ministry of Culture and Tourism is empowered and well equipped would be capable of developing the Tourism potentials of the state as well as perform other functions highlighted in the proposed bill.

Committing the bill to the committee stage, the speaker Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Tonye Harry who presided over the days sitting thanked lawmakers for their contributions.

Hon. Harry said the bill intends to set up a frame worth for the development of tourism industry in the state noting that the bill was not out of place.

He said that he relied on the powers conferred on the speaker in the standing orders of the house to commit the bill to the house committee on culture and tourism the speaker charged the committee members to ensure that they organize public hearing and submit their report in three weeks.