Stakeholders in the maritime and hospitality industry in Imo state have expressed satisfaction with the agreement between Imo state government and the Nigerian Navy to dredge the famous Orashi River.
The stakeholders said the project will also reduce flooding in Ohaji/Egbema and Oguta local government areas of the state.
Governor Hope Uzodimma had, while receiving the Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Amiral Awwal, in his office, disclosed that President Muhammadu Buhari had recently approved the dredging of the river
The project is expected to cost billions of naira.
Outlining the gains of the project, Imo stakeholders at a press briefing said the project would boost commerce in the state as it is bound to open a new economic chapter not only in the state, but in the entire south east
Spokesperson of the group, Chief Bob Njemanze, said as an only entry port during the colonial times, dredging of the river will revive trade between the South East states.
He said that it will also boost the activities of the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport as it assist in movement of goods internationally.
He said, “This is is if the good things this administration is doing to boost movement of goods and services. The dredging of the river will complement the good roads that the governor us constructing.
President of the Imo State Amalgamated Traders Association (ISAMATA), Chef Emmanuel Ezeanuchie, said it would make things easier for importers in South east to clear their goods from that point.
He said, “Era of goods landing in Lagos and traders spent money to clear them would be in the past will be a thing of the past if the Orashi River is successfully dredged.
“It will boost the economy of Imo State if other states comes into the state to transact businesses,” Ezeanuchie said.
