Jonathan to commission Onitsha River Port Oct

BY Chris Ochayi

ABUJA-Determined to boost waterways transportation sector of the economy, President Goodluck Jonathan will next month commission Onitsha River Port projects in Anambra State.

Rehabilitation of the port complex awarded to Inter-Bau Construction Limited at the cost of N4.182 billion on December 12, 2009, is nearing completion, with all facilities required for habour operations now in place.

Minister of Transport, Senator Idris Umar, who disclosed this while inspecting facilities at the port, said the project was on course and would be commissioned by Mr. President in the next few weeks.

He said: “With the speed with which the contractor is working on the project, it is expected that the projected will be completed in a few weeks.

“Completion of this port project was one of the promises made to Nigerians by Mr. President during his presidential campaign. We will invite him to come and see things for himself.”

The minister pointed out that the port would soon commence operation in order to ease transportation pressure and sufferings of importers in the South-East.

Senator Umar added that apart from reducing the agonies being experienced by the importers who are transporting their containers and other goods by road from Lagos Ports to the South- East, the port operation would also enhance economic activities in the country.