Oguta Lake, Orashi River dredging plans get support

The African Union Development Agency-New Partnership for African Development (AUDA-NEPAD) has expressed readiness to collaborate with the federal government and Imo state government in ensuring the realisation of the objectives of the dredging of Oguta Lake and Orashi River.

The Chief Executive Officer of AUDA-NEPAD, Gloria Akobundu, who described the project as innovative and timely, said that the organisation was ready to offer necessary assistance in the area of mobilisation of funds and technical assistance to see that the dream of constructing the seaport was realised.

The project, which involves the clearance of the entire route, was initiated by Governor Hope Uzodimma, as part of innovative efforts to open up the economic corridor in the south-east and enhance maritime security in the Niger Delta region.

According to THISDAY, it would be executed in partnership of the Nigerian Navy along with a consortium of international companies, under the Private Public Partnership (PPP) arrangement.

Enhancing coastal connectivity and facilitating seamless transportation, the dredging of the Oguta Lake-Orashi River project is set to promote trade and investment, spur growth in multiple sectors including shipping, manufacturing, and agriculture, and offer numerous opportunities for the people.