River restroration for inland waterways transportation system

Abstract

Rivers provide substantial benefits for the human lives in a number of ways. Irigation, water supply system, drainage, angling, hydroelectric plant and ffansportation network are all a reality. In many countries, rivers are used for one or more pulposes while others use rivers for total dependent for all their dai'ly activities namely social and economical. However though, sadly to mention, still far too many countries neglect their dver system to a leve1 beyond expectation. Rivers used as a dumping ground for unwanted goods and more often than not, they have been physically damaged and destroyed beyond irrecoverable condition. When this happen, human and animal are the subject to disastrous situation. However, experiences from a nur-nber ofdeveloped nations who have gone through this bad episode suggest that river cannot be taken for gtanted. Planning, up-grading, redevelopment program have to be seriously considered and mdertaken before it is too late. Usually an integrated development plogram would enable the inland waterways including river network to be developed and used while generating substantial economic and environrnental benefits including transpofcation system. Models from United Kingdorr can tre depicted in their rehabilitation and restoration program. Transportation on inland waterways can contribute to the commercialization of water transport lor cargoes, passengers, sport, recreational or even tourisrr industries. Narow boat operation in U.K. is a clear example of this success progmm. This paper highlights the importance of rivers rehabilition and restoration program to be underlaken at national level by all relevant aulhorities in ensuring the optimum benefits generated from the activities. Similarly, this paper also highlights the issues and rnethodologies adopted and implemented for the program.