Amby Uneze in Owerri
The approval by the federal government of the dredging of Orashi River which connects to the Atlantic ocean has attracted huge attention of the Stakeholders in Imo State.
Since the governor Hope Uzodimma relayed the announcement of the approval of the dredging of the Orashi river by President Muhammadu Buhari last week, the Stakeholders across party lines have expressed satisfaction that when such huge federal project is completed, massive economic and social growth would come to the State.
The governor who revealed this to residents of the State when the Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Amiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo represented by Silyranda Lassa visited the State, said the President has already given his nod for the takeoff of the project expected to cost about two billions Dollars.
Uzodimma had said that the dredging of the Orashi River is expected to open a new economic chapter in the State and South east at large after its completion.
An elder statesman, Chief Bob Njemanze noted the project will not only endear the hearts of residents of the State to the governor for attracting it but also will boost the economic and social activities of State.
He said "There are good things the governor has done lately that has portrayed him as not sleeping, despite swimming against the tides, this will be the greatest achievement of this administration if he succeeds in getting the federal government to accept in dredging the river. God knows why he made us the heartland, governor Uzodimma is doing same effort Iwuanyanwu put in to build the Imo airport."
Another elder statesman and Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) elders committee, Chief Peter Mgbenwelu while expressing his excitement noted thus "if we do not dredge the Orashi river, South east will remain in poverty. My prayer since I heard Uzodimma mentioned this is 'please God let him achieve it, if he achieves it, our children would be more happier, they would have more jobs, and they would be able to achieve other things.
According to Chief Mgbenwelu who is also the Cock of the Bar in the State, as a PDP stalwart, I am not supposed to sing praises to the opposition governor, but this singular attraction beats my heart for joy. Therefore, I commend him for that.
On his own part, State President of the Imo State Amalgamated Markets and Traders Association (ISAMATA) Emmanuel Ezeanochie, described it as a wonderful achievement because it would boost trade and commerce of the State.
According to him, it would make things easier for traders in South east, pointing out that the era of goods landing in Lagos and traders spent much money to clear them would be in the past.
"It will boost the economy of Imo State if other states comes into the state to transact business." Ezeanuchie said.
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